April 2022
From L to R: Kelly Hobbins (as Annie Brooks), Doug Curry (Vincent), and Devon Harris (Jack Brooks) rehearse a scene from Art of Murder. Photo by Rachel Brill.
Art of Murder opens April 30;
Tickets on Sale Now!
The Penfield Players’ spring show, Art of Murder, by Joe DiPietro, opens on Saturday, April 30, for six performances. Directed by Mary Ellen Blanchard of Brighton, Art of Murder is the story of an art dealer, his disgruntled client, his client’s wife, and their housekeeper. Set in the sitting room of a Connecticut country estate, no one is as they seem in this play that combines mystery with a healthy dose of comedy. DiPietro’s Art of Murder won the 2000 Edgar Award for Best Mystery Play, an honor bestowed by the Mystery Writers of America, and he is the author of one of Penfield Players’ most successful productions, Over the River and Through the Woods.
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The cast features:
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Doug Curry (Rochester) as Vincent, the art dealer
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Devon Harris (Greece) as Jack Brooks, the art dealer’s client
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Kelly Hobbins (Penfield) as Annie Brooks, Jack’s wife
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Shawnda Urie (Irondequoit) as Kate, the Brooks’ housekeeper
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“Expect to be surprised and entertained,” says Blanchard. “Full of twists and turns, we expect this play will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.”
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All performances are at the Penfield Community Center, 1985 Baird Rd., in Penfield. Performances are on April 30, May 6, May 7, May 13, and May 14 at 8:00 p.m. There is a matinee on Saturday, May 7, at 2:00 p.m. Note that our matinee will be on a Saturday, rather on a Sunday, for this performance.
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Tickets are now on sale online, by phone at 585.340.8655 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, and in person at the Penfield Community Center. Tickets are $14 in advance and $17 at the door. Group rates are available for groups of ten or more.
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The Penfield Players will be following the Covid protocols in effect for the Penfield Community Center at the time of performance.
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Volunteers are needed for Art of Murder. We can use help at the Penfield Community Center, 1985 Baird Rd., Penfield, NY, in any of the following areas. Contact us at penfieldplayers@gmail.com if you are interested.
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Load-in is scheduled for Saturday, April 16 at 10 a.m. Meet at the "Barn" on 745 Whalen Rd., Penfield. You can drop in any time on load-in day before 4 p.m. and stay for as long as you are able. Pizza and soda provided at lunch time on April 16. We will be doing additional set construction and decoration on Saturday, April 23 and Sunday April 24. Times TBA. Anyone who volunteers receives one comp (free) ticket to see the performance of their choice of Art of Murder.
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Props master at each performance to set props and inventory and reset props at the end of each performance.
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Stage hands to assist with moving furniture and other items on and off stage as well as to assist backstage.
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For our performances on Saturday, April 30, and on Friday and Saturday May 6 and 7, and May 13 and 14 at 8 p.m., and at our matinee on Saturday, May 7 at 2 p.m., we need help in the following ways.
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House manager
Box office
50/50 raffle table
Concessions
Ushering
Plan to arrive about 45 minutes before show time. No experience needed; any necessary training will be provided. And you get to see the show for free.
Volunteers Needed for Art of Murder
Building and decorating the set for The Haunting of Hill House. Foreground: Steve Wegman; background, L to R: Liz Gill, Andrea Daszkiewicz, and Nick Daszkiewicz.
