ANNA MARIA – The Island Players’ theatrical production of Edward Taylor’s “Murder by Misadventure” is chock full of murderous twists and turns.
The three-week production opened on Thursday, Jan. 8 and continues through Sunday, Jan. 25
Starring Eric Johnson as Harold “Harry” Kent, Sylvia Marnie as his wife, Emma Kent, Heiko Knipfelberg as Paul Riggs and Kristin Mazzitelli as Inspector Egan, the story unfolds in Harry and Emma’s new luxury flat located high above the English Channel, at a time when cell phones were not yet prominent parts of daily life.
Knipfelberg directed the play, and due to unforeseen circumstances, he was unexpectedly thrust into the role of Paul Riggs as well – a development that requires him to perform “on script,” which means he’s at times reading from the small script book he holds in his hand but often disguises.
Paul and Harry are longtime and prosperous television writing partners and their specialty is murder mysteries. Over the years, Harry’s grown tired of working with Paul and wants to split the team apart so he can pursue his own writing endeavors.
Having been frugal with his earnings, Harry is positioned to make a career move. Paul, on the other hand, is a hard drinking, less than successful gambler whose earnings are quickly squandered on booze and bad bets, leaving him with no nest egg to fall back on.
Unwilling to accommodate Harry’s request to part ways, Paul tells Harry he knows about a deep, dark and criminal secret from Harry’s past and he’s going to turn him in if Harry insists on breaking up the successful writing team.
Paul’s blackmail threat sets in motion of series of diabolical, murderous and entertaining twists that continue until the final seconds of the surprise ending.
As Harry, Johnson aptly portrays his character’s desire to expand his creative and financial boundaries, and he’s willing to kill to do so.
As Emma, Marnie, (a former magician in real life) perfectly plays the accomplice who’s willing to go along with her husband’s murderous intentions
As Paul Riggs, Knipfelberg nails the complacency, desperation and plot-devising acumen of his character.
As the intrusive, clever and Columbo-like Inspector Egan, Mazzitelli helps bring the second act to its dramatic and unexpected conclusion.
The actors’ talents are enhanced by the work done by Stage Manager Denise Handley, Costume Designer Pamela Hopkins, Set Designer Jan Van Wart, Lighting Designer Ethan Vail, Sound Designer Mike Lusk, hair and makeup artist Rita Lamoreux and Backstage Manager Cheryl Jaroseiwicz, whose props and set changes set the scene for the action unfolding on the stage.
“Murder by Misadventure” is co-produced by Ginny’s & Jane E’s Café. Tickets are $28 for adults, $18 for students and available online at the Island Players website.
Tickets can be purchased at the Island Players box office Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Saturday, Jan. 27. Tickets can also be purchased at the box office an hour before showtime. For more ticketing information, call 941-778-5755.
The Island Players Theatre is located at 10009 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria.
