‘Web of Murder’ being performed at Triple Locks Theater

Shelly Lillibridge and Michelle Kittel practice a scene from “Web of Murder” which is being performed at the Triple Locks Theater. Josie Sellers | Beacon

COSHOCTON – The Footlight Players latest production, “Web of Murder,” will keep you on the edge of your seat and relieve the suspense with some comedy at just the right moments.

“It’s a different murder mystery than most people are accustomed to,” said Nathan Mayse who is co-producing the production with Mark Kittel.

“Web of Murder” is set in a Victorian mansion and tells the story of rich, eccentric Minerva Osterman who is confined to a wheelchair and ailing. She decides to call together her potential heirs for a reading of her will that she knows will please some and disappoint others unless they do what is necessary to protect their interests.

The play will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 7-8, 14-15, and 21-22 at the Triple Locks Theater. The cast includes Katie Aggas as Belle, Diane Eastman as Nora, Mark as The Man, Michelle Kittel as Stephanie, Adam Lefler as Pete, Shelly Lillibridge as Minerva, Mayse as Keith, Richard McKinley as Dr. Adler, and Angela Stewart as Mary. Producer is Marsha Cusin and backstage manager is Kathy Reid.

This is Mayse’s first time directing and acting in a play and he is happy to have the help of Mark, who is directing for the first time at the Triple Locks Theater.

“He’s been impressive and has great instincts,” Mayse said. “The cast has been excellent to work with too. We have a nice range of experience from newcomers to veterans.”

One of the veterans in the play is Lillibridge, who plays Minerva.

“She is evil and very controlling,” Lillibridge said. “It’s her way or the highway.”

She wanted to be in this play because Mayse was directing.

“You can’t go wrong with Nathan Mayse,” Lillibridge said.

A newcomer to the Triple Locks Theater who is in the play is Lefler who teaches in the Newcomerstown school district like Mayse does. It’s been 12 years since he’s been on stage and he’s enjoying his return to acting.

“The cast has been great,” Lefler said. “Other than Nathan and Angela, I didn’t know anyone, but they’ve all been welcoming and I feel right at home here.”

He’s also been impressed with how Nathan and Mark are both acting in and directing the play.

“That says a lot about their work ethic,” Lefler said. “To be a part of the play and still be objective and look at it with fresh eyes to help us be better actors is a testament to both of their abilities.”

Tickets for “Web of Murder” are $12 for adults and $7 for students. They are available by calling 740-622-2959 from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday or 2 to 4 p.m. performance days or you can order tickets online at footlightplayers.com.

Category: Arts & Entertainment