“Death by Design” opens theatre season

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“Death by Design” opens EOU theatre season

October 27, 2015

LA GRANDE, Ore. (EOU) – Usually you wouldn’t think to laugh at death, but on this particular occasion, it’s a magnificent idea because Eastern Oregon University’s theatre program is presenting a hilarious whodunit by Rob Urbinati.

“Death by Design,” the first show of the 2015-16 season, opens at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 in Schwarz Theatre in Loso Hall. Additional performances are Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30-31, also at 7 p.m.

Senior theatre student Saajan Chauhan is directing the production, with student Julie Gulliford serving as stage manager.

“When I found this play, I thought how perfect this will be for our Eastern Oregon community,” Chauhan said. “It’s a family-friendly comedic masterpiece that can make you die of laughter.”

“This comedic murder mystery is more than capable of getting a few laughs out of the audience,” agreed Kenn Wheeler, associate professor of theatre and cast member.

The story takes place at the country home of Edward and Sorel Bennett in the small town of Cookham, England. Edward, played by Wheeler, is an aging playwright, while his wife Sorel, portrayed by student Victoria Ingram, is a reluctantly maturing actress.

After a full-fledged, knock-down fight in their London flat, the couple decides to leave for their country home where their maid Bridgit, played by senior Steven Stanford, and chauffeur Jack, played by freshman Sam Shown, await their arrival.

Things go awry as guests begin to show up, each of them more bizarre than the last. When one of them turns up murdered and all communication to the outside world is impossible, it’s up to the quirky cast to figure out “who-done-it.”

The other suspects, er, cast members are Caleb Hulsey as Walter Pearce, Maria Stadler as Erica, Sierra Reagan as Victoria Van Roth, and Cassandra Johnson as Alice. All are EOU students.

Admission is $6 for the general public and free for EOU students with ID.  Tickets may be purchased at the theatre box office in Loso Hall. To reserve seats, call 541-962-3757 or go to www.ticketpeak.com/eou. Print tickets immediately when purchasing online.