'Curtains,' a musical comedy whodunit, staged by Center Theatre Players

ROCHESTER ― Music, murder, mystery and mayhem share center stage in "Curtains," the new show from Center Theatre Players.

The musical comedy whodunit takes place 7:30 p.m. July 17-20 at the Sandy Reigel Theater, 350 Adams St., Rochester.

Sandy Reigel, the theater's namesake director and founder of Center Theatre Players, said, "The composer and lyricist are the duo that wrote music for the well-known shows 'Cabaret' and 'Chicago.' It sounds like the old classic Broadway musicals, but with a bit of a modern twist. Since it’s a 'show within a show,' most of the actors are portraying two different characters. The performers are real 'Show People,' which just happens to be the title ofone of the showstoppers in the first act."

The cast features John Reese, of Center Township; Christian Heasley, of New Castle; Tom Bickertof Ellwood City; John Burja, of Rochester; Ryan Wagner, of Beaver; Jeff Hall, of Center, Aaron Shanor of Rochester, Mike Good of Franklin Park, Max Levine of Pittsburgh, Aaron Swogger of Center; Larry Spinnenwebber, of Patterson Township; Alex Andres, of Beaver; Joey Karadus, of Center; Jaden Mabin; of New Brighton; Connor McCracken, of New Brighton; Cooper Mitchell of Center, Mikey Schrum, of Center; Scott Thompson, of Mars; Andrew McCullogh, of Beaver; Sara Deppenbrook, of Beaver Falls; Liz Damp, of Beaver; Bronté Lucci, of Beaver; Katey Shehan, of Beaver; Kelly Nan, of Coraopolis; Makayla Heitger, of New Brighton; Adrianna Gradisek, of Center; Ashley Crook, of Monaca; Sammie Samuels, of Pittsburgh; Amanda Swan, of Mars, and Gabby Wilson, of Pittsburgh.

"We have a cast of 30, possibly our largest to date, and a live orchestra of 10," Reigel said. "There are 10 big numbers in the show and six of them have a significant amount of choreography. Our choreographer, Nicole Spencer, has been making sure the cast gets a real workout. The vocals are also quite demanding. The music is lush and filled with some difficult harmonies. It’s really reminiscent of some of the great Broadway show tunes."

Reigel noted many of the cast members drive a far distance to be a part of the group.

"I feel our local communities have a wealth of artists many of whom could do theater professionally but have chosen a different life path," she said. "Many are exhausted after a full day of work, but you don’t see itat rehearsal. Their joy and passion come from community theater as does mine."

Also handling key roles are orchestra conductor-pianist Christine Lucas of Cranberry Township and stage manager Julie Schmidt of Center.

"Curtains" tickets cost $17 at showclix.com or by calling 724-888-7094.

"We will soon be auditioning for our next production, 'Bat Boy,'" Reigel said. "It’s a more contemporary musical and is a perfect fit for the October/Halloween time slot."

Auditions will take place July 22 and 23. Information can be found on CTP's Facebook or Instagrampages or at centertheatreplayers.com.

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: 'Curtains,' a musical comedy whodunit, staged by Center Theatre Players