Combine the style of playwright Noel Coward and an Agatha Christie murder mystery, throw in wild comedy and you have "Death by Design" produced by The Little Theatre of Jefferson City.
The play is the story of playwright Edward Bennett, played by Dale Eickhoff, and his actress wife Sorel, played by Shae Marie Eickhoff. They have gone to a country estate after a disastrous opening night.
Throw in a variety of unexpected guests and a murder and you have a night of fun.
The director is Natalie Eickhoff, the assistant director is Patrick Polluck and the production manager is Carol Scott.
When asked how she felt about directing for the first time Eickhoff said "I love directing. I love the tech side and the acting side, but this is like a dream come true."
Her mother and father are the lead characters in the play, and Natalie Eickhoff said, "It is fun to boss my parents around for a change. They are really talented, and so my job is easy."
Remaining characters include: Bridgit the maid, played by Winette Mason Swanson; Jack the chauffeur, played by Derek Shoults; E.C. Walker plays Walter Pearch, a politician; Eric is a radical youth played by James Packard; the bohemian artist Victoria Van Roth is played by Courtney Desko; and Alice, a young lady, is played by Bethany Elliott.
According to Eickhoff the cast is a mixture of veterans and five TLT newcomers.
Scott, who as production manager is in charge of the technical and backstage aspects of the show, said the show is a challenge because it is set in the 1930s. This makes finding props, providing costumes and set decorations more difficult.
Some key people who are helping technically are Maria Bish doing costumes, Keith Enloe as set designer, David Bange as construction chief, Marcia Stegemann as set decorator and Kassie Williams supplying props. Tying everything together is stage manager Zak McKinney.
Diane McKinney, a local artist, painted a portrait for one wall of the set.
"Another challenge is the physical move from the rehearsal hall at the TLT building to Miller Center. The look of things can change when put under actual stage lighting, so there are always last-minute changes on the weekend of move in. Tech weekend is always very hectic for everyone trying to get everything set and ready for the production and full rehearsals on Monday," Scott said.
"I have enjoyed working with Natalie. She is open to ideas from everyone and then makes her decisions. She is really doing a great job for a first time director," Scott said.
"The most challenging aspect has been trying to slowly reveal the mystery of the murder and keep the audience's attention. This is a murder mystery but also a wild comedy for audiences to enjoy," Eickhoff said.
At a glance
What: "Death by Design," presented by The Little Theatre of Jefferson City.
When: 7:30 p.m. April 16-18
Where: Miller Performing Arts Center.
Tickets: At box office at Miller Center, 5-7 p.m., Monday-Wednesday and 5-showtime Thursday-Saturday. Credit cards are now accepted. Also at tltjc.org