The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940

This fall, the Avon Old Farms Theatre Company is proud to present The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, written by John Bishop. With a fun cast of characters and a lively, comedic plot, this play will not disappoint.

Actors, producers, song writers, and dancers are invited to the home of the eccentric Elsa Von Grossenknueten for an audition that could result in funding for the show. However, the group soon discovers that auditioning for a show is not why they have been gathered. Multiple murders and intriguing mystery result in a complicated plot that offers the audience more than mere laughs.

This production includes an ensemble cast of six boys from Avon Old Farms: Michael Nicolia ’12, Keith Boratko ’12, Michael Gagnon ’12, Timothy Liptrot ’12, Charlie Carpenter ’15, and Jason Fillipe ’15. In addition, five talented girls from Miss Porter’s School round out the cast: Caroline McCance ’12, Katie McElheny ’13, Kirin Gay’13, Amy Kim ’12, and Sofia Ruiz ’14.

The set consists of a library lavishly fitted with panels that swivel or slide and lead to secret passages. Under the watchful eye and patient leadership of master craftsman, faculty member Mr. James Kassel, the dedicated, hard-working tech crew is excelling again this year, including Robert Hurst ’13, Jon Amour ’12, Kabir Gadio ’14, Liam Gilbert ’14, Obum Njeze ’14, and Gavin Touponse ’14. During rehearsals, faculty member Ms. Emily Landau acts as stage manager and assistant director, while Sam Rosichan ’12 and Pedro Vega ’12 also assist with directing. Philip Shin ’14 is the show’s sound technician.

The “Old Farms Theater Company,” Avon’s active and successful theater program, stages two major productions each year. Performing in the Adams Theater, actors involved in the theater program learn to develop trust, concentration, and confidence. By closely working with a dramatic script, they improve their reading skills and become more confident with analyzing literature.

The school collaborates with nearby Miss Porter’s School to fill female roles, and likewise, Avon students frequently fill roles in Miss Porter’s theatrical productions. The theater program at Avon is thriving and growing. The program fosters teamwork and excellence in performance, and views each actor and technician as an artist. We invite you to experience it for yourself!