There is a murder mystery in Starkweather Mansion but it’s up to the audience to decide whodunit.
The Allen Community College Summer Youth Theatre will present “Murder’s in the Heir,” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at the Allen College Theatre.
The play introduces Simon Starkweather, a self-made billionaire played by Jacob Cooper, who has invited his relatives and staff to join him at his secluded mansion on a very stormy night for a very important meeting. Starkweather’s relatives include his niece Fiona, played by Amanda Moyer, great-nephew Jordan, portrayed by Zachary Cokely, and great-niece Paula, portrayed by Jennifer Tidd.
In Starkweather’s will he states he will bequest his vast fortune to his house staff and relatives. All are thrilled until at the meeting Starkweather informs them he is changing his will. Now old and frail, Starkweather tells the assembled crew he will leave them a comparative pittance, $50,000 apiece, while his secretary, Kathy, played by Gaby Lampe, will carry his future heir which will come from scientific cloning.
These changes won’t happen until his lawyer, Lois, played by Lexie Vega, wraps up the will and he signs it the next morning.
Infuriated, each character begins to consider murdering Starkweather before he can put his name on the dotted line. A storm, inside and out, causes the electricity to go off. When the lights come back on, Starkweather is dead.
During intermission audience members are to fill out a ballot saying who they think murdered old Starkweather. Is it Minerva the cook, played by Kassy Shelby, or maybe Paula the sweet southern belle, played by, again, Jennifer Tidd. The actors will play out the scenario with the most votes with the help of Detective Mike Davis, played by Justin Appleton. There are nine possible endings to the play.
The show is free to the public and is directed by Tony Piazza. The summer program is sponsored by the Sleeper Family Trust.
Summer mystery comes to ACC
