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MSU students perform in Starkville Community Theatre play 
Whodunit? The cast of the Starkville Community Theatre's production of "Night of January 16th" isn't telling. The show, which runs for eight performances, opened Thursday night at Playhouse on Main, SCT's home on Main Street. The cast and crew of 26 have been at work for weeks under the direction of Stephen Cunetto, who serves as administrator of systems for Mississippi State's libraries. "Things are really off to a good start. This is a talented cast that seems to be enjoying what they are doing," Cunetto said. "I feel like the real strength of this show rests in the actors' characters, especially since there is very little in the way of props, special lighting or technical involvement." That cast includes seven Mississippi State students and employees including students Kirsten von Hagn, Stephen Mayo, Moses Jones and Amelia Watkins and employees Tom Daniel, Charles Campbell and Laura Daniel. The cast also features Ross Williams, Doug Mitchell, Liz Johnstone, Tammy Butler, Milo Burnham, Simone Cottrell, Gail McKinnon, Don O'Bannon, Sandy Manard, Lyle Tate, M.J. Etua and Chitose Little. A clever murder mystery by Ayn Rand, "Night of January 16th" was written in 1935 and set in New York City. To localize the play and enhance the enjoyment of the audience, the play has been reset in Georgia. The play centers on the trial of Karen Andre, who is accused of murdering her boss, Bjorn Faulkner, a wealthy entrepreneur. Andre was Faulkner's confidante and secretary but he jilted her to marry the wealthy Nancy Lee Whitfield Faulkner, daughter of one of the city's richest and most respected citizens. When you throw in a few more characters like the mobster Larry Regan, a cop or two, a detective and an imposing father-in-law, Cunetto promises a mysterious brew that most audiences will want to partake of. In fact, the audience becomes part of the trial each night as they listen to testimony, hear the judge's comments and are encouraged to react to the general goings on in the courtroom. Some members of the audience become even more involved when they are selected to serve on the jury. Jury members will vote each evening on the guilt or innocence of Karen Andre‹and no one will know the outcome until their "verdict" is handed down. Cunetto hopes each audience will really become actively involved in the "trial," making the play a "more rewarding experience" for themselves and the actors. "We encourage audience reaction‹ that is part of what really makes this play great," Cunetto said. The show opened April 27 and will run for eight performances. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. today, Saturday and May 4-6, and at 2 p.m. Sunday and May 7. Student tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door. But, as always, reservations are strongly suggested. You may make reservations by calling the box office at 323-6855. |
