KEARNEY – University Theatre at Kearney is inviting audiences to step into a world of secrets, suspicion and sharp-witted humor with its upcoming production of “An Old-Fashioned Family Murder.”
Directed by associate professor Darin Himmerich, the whodunit opens Thursday in the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s Miriam Drake Theatre and runs through April 26, offering a mix of comedy, mystery and unexpected twists that will keep guests guessing until the final moments.
Set on a dark and stormy night, the story unfolds inside the mansion of Colonel Claythorne, where tensions rise after a bombshell announcement about his will. When a murder occurs, every member of the household becomes a suspect, and it’s up to an unlikely investigator – Detective Paul Peck – to uncover the truth. Along the way, family drama, hidden motives and a meddling mother add layers of intrigue to the case.
The production features a talented cast of seven UNK students who bring the eccentric characters to life. Student contributions also play a key role behind the scenes, with senior Hannah Sims serving as costume designer and junior Evan Porter composing original music for the show.
Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. April 16-18 and April 23-25, with a 2 p.m. matinee April 26. The production runs approximately two hours, including a brief intermission.
General admission tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and youths, and $7 each for groups of 10 or more. Admission is free for UNK students with a valid ID. All ticket purchases are payable by cash or check only.
Reservations can be made through the UNK Theatre Box Office at 308-865-8417 or by emailing boxoffice@unk.edu.
With its blend of humor, mystery and suspense, “An Old-Fashioned Family Murder” promises an entertaining time at the theater – where everyone has something to hide, and no one can be trusted.
PHOTOS BY ERIKA PRITCHARD, UNK COMMUNICATIONS
Cast
Kaylene Bialas of Omaha – Mrs. Shirley Peck
Zane Blomenkamp of Mitchell – Radio Announcer
Aspen (AJ) Girard of Kearney – Detective Paul Peck
Abigael Greaves of Wauneta – Clarice Claythorne
Steele Hayes of Lincoln – Arthur Whittington
Keegan Spence of Omaha – Jasper Jamison
Anna Tullis of Arnold – Dotty Claythorne
Student Artistic and Production Staff
Isabelle Stroot of Hastings – Stage Manager
Hannah Sims of North Platte – Costume Designer
Evan Porter of Minden – Composer
Faculty/Staff/Guest Artistic Team
Darin Himmerich – Production Director/Technical Director
Shawn Deiger – Lighting Designer
Janice Fronczak – Properties Manager
Ahna Packard – Scenic Designer
Xingmei Zhou – Sound Designer
Morgan Ramet – Assistant Stage Manager
