Hedgerow Theatre Presents A MURDER HAS BEEN ARRANGED, Now thru 3/29

The stage at Hedgerow Theatre will become the stage of the St. James's Theatre in London, the eerie setting for Emlyn Williams' spine-chilling mystery "A Murder Has Been Arranged," which runs from tonight, Feb. 19 to March 29.

The Welsh playwright Williams ("Night Must Fall") called the 1930 play, his first theatrical success, a ghost story with good reason. It takes place in a venue that's rumored to be haunted because several murders were committed there, and the main character, Sir Charles Jasper, is the author of a book on the occult and known to dabble in black magic. Sir Charles has rented the St. James's as the site for his 30th birthday party, an event where the guests will borrow costumes from the wardrobe department to dress as ghosts from history. It's also a big night for him since he'll inherit a family fortune of two million pounds at 11 p.m.

The strange happenings at the theatre create anxiety for his secretary, cook, beautiful wife and her overbearing mother, and the tension only grows as some uninvited guests arrive: a young man claiming to be a reporter and Maurice Mullins, Sir Charles' only living relative, who would claim the money should anything happen to the primary heir. The sighting of a mysterious spectral figure of a woman in dark corners of the theatre only adds to the suspense. There are secrets and deception to be revealed during the evening, with the result being a white-knuckle thriller.

The cast features Hedgerow Acting Fellows: Joel Guerrero as Sir Charles. Guerrero was last seen in "Hamlet" and "The 39 Steps." Colleen Marker portrays the secretary, Miss Groze; Allison Bloechl is Beatrice Jasper, his wife; Lily Dwoskin plays the mysterious woman; and Jimmy North, the "reporter," is performed by Brock Vickers. They're joined by veteran Susan Wefel as Mrs. Arthur, Beatrice's mother. Rounding out the group are two Hedgerow newcomers, Susan Dewey as the cook, Mrs. Wragg, and David Nikolas as Maurice Mullins. Both have appeared many times in other local venues.

Returning to direct the production is former Hedgerow Fellow Sarah Gafgen, who has appeared in many shows at the theatre. She has since achieved much success both acting and directing at multiple theatres in the Philadelphia area, including the Walnut Street, Bristol Riverside and the Broadway Theatre of Pitman.

Adult ticket prices for Friday, Saturday and Sunday shows are $34; Thursday shows are $29. There is a $3 discount for seniors. Tickets for those 30 and under are $20 and $15 for students with valid ID. Tickets for the previews on Feb. 19 and 20 are $20 for adults and $15 for students. For groups of 10 or more, tickets are $18. Prices include all fees and are subject to change. For reservations or more info, call 610-565-4211 or visit www.HedgerowTheatre.org. Hedgerow Theatre is located at 64 Rose Valley Road in Rose Valley (near Media).

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