Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Benjamin Franklin once said, “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.”
However, Circle Theatre of Barnwell’s production of “Death & Taxes” is certain to make audiences laugh. The comedic murder mystery will conclude the community theatre’s 2023-24 during the first two weekends of May.
“In searching for a play to direct, the goal is to choose one that will be interesting and entertaining for both the cast and crew, but ultimately for the audience. Mysteries and comedies are both well received in Barnwell, so when the opportunity presented itself to bring a play to the stage that was a mixture of both, it just made sense,” said Michael Pisacreta who is co-directing the play with Marion Young.
The play is set at a small-town council meeting after an IRS agent was found murdered.
“This play is interactive, so the audience gets to participate, which is different from most plays. It will be fun for the audience to be involved and try to figure out whodunit, all while laughing with and at these small-town, country characters,” said Donna Creech, who plays high school drama teacher Evelyn Martindale.
The cast for this production includes many Circle Theatre veterans along with several newcomers.
“It has been amazing to watch every member work so hard to understand their character and to slowly begin to embody them during each rehearsal. It still amazes me how quickly some begin to memorize their lines, especially when they have so many to remember! It is also encouraging to see how all the veterans of the stage have embraced the newcomers and helped them to understand the theatre jargon and to make them feel comfortable up there every night,” said Pisacreta.
Creech, who has worked with most of the cast previously, said rehearsals are full of laughter and fun.
“Not only is everyone good at their roles, but we have a great time interacting with each other. The fun we’ve had as a cast is what I’ve enjoyed most during this production,” said Jacob Sanders, who plays Eddie, a stereotypical pushy newspaper editor.
While Jacob is no stranger to the Circle Theatre stage, his wife Rebekah is making her stage debut as Lydia Kleft, the mayor's secretary.
“I've always enjoyed a good murder mystery, especially with humorous elements thrown in. I feel like this play is a pretty good blend. I've really enjoyed rehearsing with the cast. Even though we have all heard the same jokes three times a week, for several weeks, they can throw something in that keeps it from getting boring,” said Rebekah.
Jacob and Rebekah have enjoyed the experience of working together onstage.
“Working together in the same play has really been fun. We can run lines together without being worried about spoilers. It's an interesting way to spend time together during the week. And thanks to our very supportive parents, we have not had to worry about what to do with our two-year-old,” said Rebekah.
Auditioning for the play was a “pretty impulsive decision” for Rebekah; however, she knew this was the perfect time. “We're expecting our second child in August, and I can't imagine trying to do this with two young children at home,” she said.
Another Circle Theatre newcomer is Brenda Chorn, who plays Mattie Johansen.
“Everyone involved in this production has been kind, considerate and very helpful and just a joy to be around! Mattie Johansen is a fun character that is married to a somewhat irritating man who uses sarcasm as his way of communicating. She is pulled into this town council meeting and able to get a few digs in at Carl when the opportunity arises,” said Chorn, who has been in many school and church productions growing up.
Since moving to Barnwell three years ago, Chorn has read newspaper articles about productions.
“I would always say to my husband, ‘I would love to do that someday’, ‘That would be so much fun’ or ‘I should have went and checked it out,’” she said.
After seeing a Facebook post about auditions for “Death & Taxes”, Chorn made a spur of the moment decision to go. She didn’t tell anyone, even her husband, until afterwards.
“It is, hands down, one of the funniest shows we have put on the stage in a long time – or at least right up there with all of the amazingly funny shows we have produced lately. The cast is amazing at just drawing you in and keeping you listening for the next quip or sly comment that’ll just have you rolling,” said Pisacreta.
Opening weekend is Friday and Saturday, May 3 and 4 at 7 p.m. with a Sunday matinee on May 5 at 3 p.m. Performances continue Friday and Saturday, May 10 and 11 at 7 p.m. with a Sunday matinee on May 12 at 3 p.m. Circle Theatre is located at 325 Academy Street, Barnwell.
The cast and crew encourage the community to buy tickets and enjoy an evening of comedy while trying to solve the mystery.
“I think it’s important for the community to have the opportunity to see plays locally because it opens them up to the arts and they may realize that they too want to get involved. It is just good entertainment that is right in their backyard. Barnwell is very fortunate to have the Circle Theatre and the citizens keeping it alive and going,” said Chorn.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at The People-Sentinel’s office (22 Burr Street, Barnwell) or online at http://barnwellcircletheatre.com and selecting “Ticket Information”.
Season ticket holders can call (803) 471-8929 and leave a message to reserve a seat.
