The box office is now open for Hill Country Community Theatre’s (HCCT) murder-mystery comedy “Drop Dead!” The production is helmed by freelance director Jerry Morrison. “Drop Dead!” opens Thursday, Apr 24, at HCCT in Cottonwood Shores (4003 FM 2147 West, between Marble Falls and Horseshoe Bay). The production runs Thursdays through Sundays, Apr. 24-May 4, at 7:30 p.m., with 2:15 p.m. Sunday, matinees. For tickets call the box office at 830-798-8944 or go online at www.thehcct.org.
The comedy is a fast-paced ‘play within a play.’ A cast of has-been actors plan to revive their careers by starring in a potboiler murder mystery (also titled ‘Drop Dead!’) badly directed by “Wonder Child of the Broadway Stage” Victor Le Pewe. But when the murders become real and the mysteries exceed those in the script, the remaining thespians must save the show and their careers, solve the mystery and stay alive for curtain calls.
“The cast is very talented and wonderfully funny. Rehearsals have been a real joy” said Morrison. "The play promises a healthy dose of zany, madcap humor and a refreshing reminder of the delights of the theatre.”
“Our audience is in for an evening of endless laughter”, said Managing Director Steve Reily. “Imagine if you were able to mix the comic antics of The Marx Brothers with the mystery and suspense of an Agatha Christie whodunit. Well, that’s what you get with ‘Drop Dead!’”
The cast includes HCCT regulars Kay Baker as Constance Crawford, Stan R. Farmer as Brent Reynolds, Anson J. Hahn as Victor Le Pewe, Moe Docherty as Sol Weisenheimer, Laura Braden as Mona Monet, Randy Spruiell as Chaz Looney, Mike Brittain as Alabama Miller, and Seth Smith as Phillip. Debuting on the HCCT stage is Alexandria Randolph as Candy Apples and Patrick Lescarbeau as Dick Shalit. Becky Barton serves as Assistant Director/Stage Manager. Chase Muller is the Scenic Designer. Steve Reily is the Sound and Lighting Designer.
“Drop Dead!” is one of many comedies written by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore. The play premiered in Los Angeles in 1991and featured television stars Adrienne Barbeau, Rose Marie, and Don Most. It opened to very positive reviews.The L.A. Reader” called the play, “Heartily entertaining!” The L.A. Times said, “The audience laughed at everything!” Finally the showbiz bible Variety raved describing the show as, “A nonstop physical comedy that turns the world of theatre on its head!” Since the premiere “Drop Dead!” has enjoyed many successful productions for many years across the country.
Jerry Morrison holds an MFA in Directing from Baylor University. He has directed, performed in and/or produced over one hundred productions all across the country. Jerry’s recent directorial projects include; the musical romantic revival of "The Pajama Game" at the Temple Civic Theatre; the classic love story "The Taming of the Shrew" in Grand Rapids and the poignant comedy valentine "Bus Stop" at The Barn Theatre in Minneapolis. For HCCT he directed the sold out musical revue "Funny, You Don't Look Like a Grandmother" in 2012 and “The Last Night of Ballyhoo” in 2001.
Performances will be Thursday through Sunday, beginning with the Gala Opening on April 24, and continue through May 4. The curtain for evening shows is at 7:30 p.m.; for Sunday matinees at 2:15 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $7 for students age 16 and under. Group rates also are available. Seating per show is limited to 147 persons. Tickets can be purchased online at www.thehcct.org. Reservations can also be made at the box office (noon-4 p.m., Mon.-Fri.), 830-798-8944, beginning April 14th for season members and April 17th for the general public. An answering machine will capture requests after hours. For more info or directions, visit www.thehcct.org.
