Murder in the Air

Posted by Valerie on February 12, 2008

This past Sunday afternoon, four of my children took part in a community theater production of Murder in the Air by Peg Sheldrick.

My four eldest are Kristen (15, fourth from left), Katelyn (12, ninth), Kelsey (14, tenth), and Heather (17, twelfth and about to be shot). Murder in the Air is a comical dinner theater production set in an aircraft hanger.

Kristen and Katelyn were Air Ninny Aircraft Personnel and understudies. (They both memorized the entire script.)

Kelsey played Isadora Graham-Cracker, snooty socialite, and Heather played ‘Arris, the formal butler. The butler also played rousing piano for the pre-show as well as a duet sung by Arabella Langostino and Ariadne Dithering-Ninny.

Heather had a few tense moments when she played the show piano for the very first time at the dress rehearsal—and discovered that both the piano and its bench were on wheels. Apparently the instrument and her seat were constantly threatening to part ways as she energetically played ragtime.

We joked that she could take a cue from Victor Borge, alter her butler costume slightly and slam her tie into the piano at the beginning of the pre-show, just to “keep things together.” Fortunately, Paul was able to save the day for her with some wood wedges for both piano and bench.

The play was loads of fun to watch, and the girls are now wishing for an opportunity to do another play. Soon. 

They wish they had rehearsals again next week.