The Friday 5: MURDER's Brooke Muriel Ferguson

Brooke Muriel Ferguson is the latest wunderkind from the Lipscomb University Department of Theatre to make her directorial debut at Towne Centre Theatre, helming the production of the murder mystery Murder's in the Heir that opens tonight in Brentwood.

With a sizable cast, a script she promises is great fun and all of Lipscomb cheering her on, Ferguson's more than ready for her opening night - and in advance of that momentous event, she put herself squarely in our Friday 5 spotlight, to give us the chance to get to know her better, to find out what makes her tick theatrically and to tell us why we all need to come see her show...

What was your first taste of "live, onstage" theater? My grandmother owned a theatre company and was a director for a long time so I've always had a love for theatre but the first experience I can remember is going to see the tour of Phantom of The Opera in San Antonio, Texas.

What's your favorite pre-show ritual? My favorite pre-show ritual is saying "good show" to everyone and saying a quick prayer. Sometimes running in place to get some energy.

What's your favorite, most memorable, example of "the show must go on"? During Seussical last year at Lipscomb, Scott Wilson got sick during the final dress and I thought "the show must go on," so I memorized his lines really fast and did the rest of the show as a single mom and Mayor. It was pretty exhilarating but I did miss having Scott there, so I was glad he was okay for the actual shows.

What's your dream role? My dream role for a straight play is Evelyn from Shape of Things by Neil LaBute and for a musical is Reno in Anything Goes.

Who's your theatrical crush? Michael Arden and Patti LuPone.

EXTRA-SPECIAL BONUS QUESTION: Why should people come see Murder's in the Heir? People should come see Murder's in the Heir because it's a fun show, it'll keep you on your toes and it'll be different every night.

About the show: Turn the game Clue into a play and you have the masterfully entertaining Murder's in the Heir. Simon Starkweather, the tyrannical billionaire, gathers his family and employees to announce the contents of his will. His lawyer, reveals that he has bequeathed vast fortunes to a few odd relatives and his servants. The rejected heirs are not pleased and roam the old mansion carrying such items as an ax, a gun and poison. When Simon is discovered murdered, his grandson is determined to find his grandfather's killer. Almost every character in this hilarious mystery has the weapon, opportunity and motive to commit the unseen murder, and it will be up to the audience to decide who actually did it!

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (615) 221-1174 or online at www.townecentretheatre.tix.com. Show times are 8 p.m. for evening performances and 2:30 p.m. for Sunday. Doors open 30 minutes prior to curtain. Tickets are $16 for students, $18 for seniors 60 and over, and $20 for adults. Purchase a specially priced Thursday 4-pack of tickets online and get four tickets for only $60; available online only. Group rates are also available. Towne Centre Theatre is located at 136 Frierson Street in Brentwood