By Eva Trieger
POWAY, California — PowPac Theatre (aka The Little Theatre That Could) has another delightful production on their stage. Death by Design is a combination murder mystery and farce, rolled into one laughter-filled show.
The cast, under the excellent direction of Steve Murdock, inhabits absurdly self-absorbed characters and shrewd sleuths along with a love triangle for good measure. Written by Rob Urbinati and produced by Dorothy Courtney and Cheryle Tkach, this show is guaranteed to entertain.
Set in 1932 in Cookham, England, the Bennett’s country home is the scene of the crime. Though the house staff, Bridgit (Linda Englund) and chauffeur, Jack (Richard Cajka) are not anticipating houseguests, they are inundated with unexpected visitors to whom they must attend.
Sorel Bennett (Susan Branch), a quirky actress and Edward Bennett (David Dartt), her playwright husband, have a combative relationship. They alternately spar and coo, while mixing it up with their unanticipated visitors. Walter Pierce (Geoffrey Graeme) arrives and attempts to woo the lady of the house, only to be followed by Victoria Van Roth (Julie Clemmons Sanchez), an eccentric artiste who employs interpretive dance to convey her ideas. Eric (Matt Sayre) joins the mix, spouting socialist ideology and challenging the upper crust’s caste system. The final surprise visitor is Alice (Tami O’Connell). What ensues on stage is peppered with clever dialogue, lots of physical comedy and though I won’t tell you who done it, you may read about it in the Tittle Tattle.
To say these actors obviously enjoy working together, is somewhat of an understatement. Watching them play together seems a far more appropriate description. Many of these fine thespians have not only appeared on PowPac’s stage previously, but in many theatres all over town. One of the most delicious aspects of this play is the accents.
Standouts in this arena are Englund and O’Connell. Without missing a beat, the housekeeper prattles on and shares her snarky comments about everything. Bridgit is certainly a pivotal character for this play.
This little theatre is really a gift to the community. For each production it joins forces with a community partner to raise money and awareness for the partner. Virtually, everyone involved with this theatre is a volunteer. This includes box office, concessions, sound and lighting and set construction. No previous training is needed, just a willingness to help.
Furthering its commitment to the arts, PowPac offers a $1,000 scholarship to a high schooler who dreams of pursuing an education in theatre arts. The Elden and Joye Davisson Scholarship makes this a reality for some fortunate student of Poway Unified School District.
Death by Design will run through August 4 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets may be purchased by phone at 858.679.8085 or online at boxoffice@powpac.org.
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Eva Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts.