Classic mysteries on tap for Kansas Repertory Theatre


Thu, 07/02/2015

author

Heather Anderson

LAWRENCE—This summer the Kansas Repertory Theatre brings mystery and suspense to the stage with “Sherlock’s Last Case” and “The Mousetrap.”

 “Sherlock’s Last Case” performances are at 7:30 p.m. July 17-18, July 30 and Aug. 1 and at 2:30 p.m. July 19 on Stage Too! in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre. “The Mousetrap” performances are at 7:30 p.m. July 24-25 and July 31 and at 2:30 p.m. July 26 and Aug. 2 in the William Inge Memorial Theatre.

“We are fortunate to have two outstanding directors from outside the university this summer as well as outside actors who all come together to mix their talents with the talents of our student actors,” said Dennis Christilles, University Theatre artistic director and associate theatre professor.

Picking up where the famous stories ended, “Sherlock’s Last Case” centers on a death threat against Sherlock Holmes by the supposed son of his late nemesis, Professor Moriarty. The production is a theatrical spin-off that at once affectionately spoofs and honors the series.

The world’s longest-running play, “The Mousetrap,” focuses on a group of strangers with a murderer in their midst stranded in a boarding house during a snowstorm. As people keep dying, the strangers’ secrets come out, leading up to one of Agatha Christie’s patented switch finishes.

The mission of Kansas Repertory Theatre is to give the Lawrence community the unique opportunity to see professional repertory theatre. It includes professional actors, B.F.A. and M.F.A. actors from nationally recognized training programs, as well as a select group of KU students. The productions share the same casts but are distinguished by designs, directorial concepts and texts.

The company of “Sherlock’s Last Case” includes Alejandra Villasante, Arequipa, Peru, junior, assistant stage manager; Diadra Smith, Jersey City, New Jersey, senior, stage manager; and Emily Rose Stanley, Carencro, Louisiana, senior, as Mrs. Hudson.

The creative team of “Sherlock’s Last Case” also includes Mark Reaney, theatre professor, as scenic designer, and Kelly Vogel, visiting assistant theatre professor, lighting and costume designer.

“Sherlock’s Last Case” welcomes the following guest artists: Michael Rapport, Lawrence equity actor, as Dr. Watson; Robert Gibby Brand, Kansas City, Missouri, equity actor, as Sherlock Holmes; Katherine Fried, Minneapolis, Minnesota, junior at University of Minnesota, as Liza; Joseph Fournier, Kansas City, Missouri, graduate student at University of Missouri-Kansas City, as Inspector Lestrade; Paul Boesing, Omaha, Nebraska, resident guest artist at University of Nebraska-Omaha, as dialect coach; and D. Scott Glasser, Omaha, Nebraska, theatre professor at University of Nebraska-Omaha, director.

The company of “The Mousetrap” includes Liz Mitts, Lawrence sophomore, assistant stage manager; Aden Lindholm, McPherson senior, as Christopher Wren; Victoria Kilkenny, Shawnee sophomore, as Miss Casewell; Emily Rose Stanley, Carencro, Louisiana, senior, as Mrs. Boyle; Kevin Siess, Lawrence senior, stage manager; and Rana Esfandiary, Tehran, Iran, graduate student, lighting designer.

“The Mousetrap” creative team also includes Dennis Christilles, associate theatre professor and University Theatre artistic designer, as scenic designer.

“The Mousetrap” welcomes the following guest artists: Doug Weaver, Lawrence, director of theatrical arts, Bishop Seabury Academy, director; Michael L. Rapport, Lawrence equity actor, as Mr. Paravicini; Katherine Fried, Minneapolis, Minnesota, junior at University of Minnesota, as Mollie Ralston; Joseph Fournier, Kansas City, Missouri, graduate student at University of Missouri-Kansas City, as Major Metcalf; Paul Boesing, Omaha, Nebraska, resident guest artist at University of Nebraska-Omaha, as dialect coach; Benjamin Shaw, Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, junior at University of Minnesota, as Detective Sergeant Trotter; Bowen Cochran, Huntsville, Alabama, recent graduate of University of Minnesota, as Giles Ralston; and Shannon Smith-Regnier, Kansas City, Missouri, professional costume designer.

“Sherlock’s Last Case” is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service Inc., New York. “The Mousetrap” is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French Inc.

Tickets for the Kansas Repertory Theatre shows are on sale now online and at KU ticket offices. Tickets are also available by calling the University Theatre, (785) 864-3982, and the Lied Center, (785) 864-ARTS. Tickets are $15 for adults, $14 for senior citizens and KU faculty and staff, and $10 for students and children.

Thu, 07/02/2015

author

Heather Anderson

Media Contacts

Andrea Bos Sudbury

University Theatre

785-864-3901