Today our Actors Spotlight highlights two very talented members of the cast of The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940. Alicia Frame plays the role of Nikki Crandall, a chorus girl auditioning for a role in a backers audition. Likewise, Michael Antico’s character Eddie McCuen is a comedian at the audition.
Their characters have a lot in common. Both are arriving at the Von Grossenknueten estate on a snowy day and are trapped at the mansion by the snow. While the production team of Roger Hopewell, Bernice Roth, Marjorie Baverstock, and Ken De La Maize have history and have known each other for years, Eddie and Nikki are newcomers to the group, oblivious of the danger of the Stage Door Slasher.
According to Antico, “Eddie is a very quirky character and full of energy. However, in between his bad jokes and gags are moments of genuine sincerity which make him lovable and very real.” In a lot of ways Eddie and Nikki are the characters that audiences can relate most to.
“Nikki is a contrast to the other farcical characters of the show. (Nikki) is not exaggerated but instead is the character that audiences follow, easily relating to her levelheadness and grounding in reality,” agrees Frame.
Alicia Frame has been performing with the Auburn Players for the past two decades, while this is Michael Antico’s second production with us. Alicia was born in Central New York and attended Skaneateles High School. The Merry Go Round Youth Tour has given her the opportunity to stay local and use her theatre degree. The challenge of performing for the elementary school youth is in contrast to the more adult choices she can make in this show.
Michael Antico was also brought into this community by Merry Go Round. Unlike many of the Playhouse’s employees that are seasonal, Antico has made Auburn his home and become a wonderful asset to our community. Whether he is teaching acting classes at Auburn Public Theatre, or preparing for his next project with the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival he is part of the growing performing arts community of Auburn.
The Auburn Players and our community both benefit from the creative energy that these two bring with them. We hope to see you at our production this weekend on April 17th, 18th and 19th.
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