Westport Community Theatre Presents Agatha Christie's WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION

Murder mystery fans are in for a treat at the Westport Community Theatre's current production of Agatha Christie's Witness for the Prosecution. Set in post-war London of the 1950's, the play is a "who done it" with numerous plot twists and turns that keep the audience guessing until the very last scene. Tom Rushen directs the outstanding cast of fourteen local actors familiar to theatre audiences throughout Fairfield County, in performances from November 25 through December 11.

In the psychological thriller, a brutal murder has stained the plush carpets of a handsome London townhouse. The victim is the glamorous and enormously rich Emily French. All the evidence points to Leonard Vole, a young opportunist to whom the heiress left her vast fortune and who ruthlessly took her life. At least, this is the story that Emily's dedicated housekeeper Janet MacKenzie stands by in court. Leonard However, is adamant that his wife, Romaine, can prove his innocence.

Rushen's cast skillfully leads the audience through the unraveling of an intellectually challenging mystery; audience members must pay close attention as they brace themselves for the final twist of the plot. Disclosing any more would spoil it for those who have not seen the show.

This latest production of WCT merges talent and extensive experience from both cast and crew. Rushen, a seasoned director (Sabrina Fair, The Importance of Being Earnest, and Mrs. Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge at WCT), also produces the East/West Playfest, a collaboration with Eastbound Theatre, a division of the Milford Fine Arts Council. Producer Dave Rylander, both WCT board member and technical director, also recently produced They're Playing Our Song with WCT; and stage manager Ann Baker has also directed, produced and has managed stage for many productions including WCT's The Miracle Worker and Mrs. Crachit's Wild Christmas Binge.

Collectively, members of the cast have performed in hundreds of theatrical productions around Fairfield County. The skilled and well-rounded cast consists of Travis Branch, Geoffrey Gilbert, Larry Greeley, Cindy Hartog, Barry Hatrick, Peter Haynes, Briana O'Brien LaMare, Stafford Nibley, John Pyron, Samantha Pattinson, David Pirrie, Jeff Pliskin and David Victor.

Witness for the Prosecution is produced by arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., and has performances from November 25 through December 11, on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and at 2:00 p.m. on Sundays, with a Thursday performance on December 1 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $25, $23 for seniors and students, and can be purchased at westportcommunitytheatre.com or by calling (203) 226-1983. The Westport Community Theatre is located at the Westport Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue.

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