The most visible face of the Auburn Players has always been the actors in the shows. Today we want to highlight an important part of what we do, props. Anything that is movable on stage that isn’t furniture or costumes fall under the domain of the props mistress, in this show Terri Gadsby.
The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 is set in the library of the Von Grossenknueten mansion. The host, Elsa Von Grossenknueten has invited a successful broadway production staff for a backers audition. The only stain on the teams stellar record is a flop Manhattan Holiday, a show that was cut short due to a string a murders.
The mansion is laced with secret passages. When asked why Elsa explains, “My father, who built this house, was Baron Wilhelm Von Grossenknueten… He was the Kaiser’s Chief of Espionage and the most brilliant intelligence mind in European History.”
But why the secret passages?
“It was the only way he could leave the room,” says Elsa.
The attention of the audience will be drawn to the portrait for less than a minute, however for Gadsby finding the perfect portrait to fit what we know about the Elsa’s father became a task. Terri was thrilled with what she was able to find. Other props simply bring us into the time period, like an antique cathedral radio.
The show, being a both a comedy and a murder mystery does lend itself to a variety of weapons, from comically large knives, guns, candlesticks, ropes, and a saber. Although the variety of weapons makes it sound like a game of clue, at least we know the action happens in the library of a well decorated 1940 library of a mansion. Beyond props, bringing back in time to 1940 will be set and costumer designer Virginia Fennessy and the set assistant Ashley Bobbett. Check back next week for more information on building the set, and join us for the show on Friday the 17th, Saturday the 18th, or Sunday the 19th at Cayuga Community College.
The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 will be April 17th, 18th, and 19th. Tickets are $14 General Admission, $10 Students/Seniors. Tickets online are available at ShowTix4U.com.
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