Powered by joy, teamwork, laughter, and plenty of boba, the cast and crew of But Why Bump Off Barnaby? has spent the last seven weeks working incredibly hard on a show that at times felt foreign, both in terns of comedy and genre. Challenged by a complex script, larger-than-life characters, and the constraints of time, this ensemble piece has come alive through the determination and dedication of the young actors you’ll see on stage tonight.
Opening our Fall 2022 season of mystery with an interactive dinner show (in seven weeks, no less!) was a task eagerly embraced by the cast. To produce strong mysteries this season, we are focusing on the challenges of pacing, creating complex, bold, strong characters through both physical and verbal choices, learning the skills of farce and comedy, and at the mainstage level, approaching serious material with professionalism and maturity. As for this production, producing a play with a cast more experienced with musicals presents its own challenges, and this script called for a lot of investment outside of rehearsals in order to make the most of the time that we had together. Over the past seven weeks, this cast has not only created characters that are exciting to see, but an ensemble that trusts each other enough to craft a masterpiece of play and laughter, buzzing with energy at each breakneck twist and turn. I know that you will enjoy their chemistry and connection onstage, and I delight in the community of acceptance and support that they have created.
Now, I’d like to pause and take a moment to invite you to our other shows this season, starting with the board game-turned-movie-turned-play, Clue Onstage: High School Edition from October 28-30. We then move from Boddy Manor into the heart of NYC with Annie Jr, running from November 11-13. We close our season of Mystery in London from December 1-4 with the classic thriller, Jekyll & Hyde (rated PG-13). Tickets are now available and we look forward to seeing you there!
On a more serious note, with the imminent arrival of Hurricane Ian this past week, this cast faced extreme uncertainty in many areas of their life, this production notwithstanding. However, they approached the trial with wisdom diligence, even asking for a zoom rehearsal on Wednesday, just as Ian was making landfall on the Florida peninsula. They handled the unknown with maturity, and while we hold in our hearts those who have lost so much, we hope that this show can bring you some needed joy and laughter in such a trying time, and the cast and crew are extra grateful for the privilege of presenting this show to you tonight.
Sit back, relax, laugh as loudly as you'd like, and chow down as you enjoy But Why Bump Off Barnaby?
Amy Sullivan
Director
