Our theater is a safe space for all. We welcome everyone to audition.

This fun murder mystery debuted in Denver in 2025, and we will be the second time this show has been done. It’s written by Sandy Rustin, who also wrote the hilarious play, Clue, based off the board game.

Sides will be provided below. Rehearsals start July 26th and generally will be Sun (time TBD), Mon, Wed, Thurs 7-930, as called. Planning Labor Day weekend off, as long as we’re in a good place. Tech week starts Sept 13th. Shows Sept 17-27. 

Directed by Kari Kennedy

All Roles Available: 5 men, 3 women

Synopsis

It’s July 5th, 1857 and the tenants of the Mayhew Vegetarian Boarding House on NYC’s lower east side are getting ready for a busy day. They’re an odd bunch, given their surroundings. Among them are a mute man, an Irishman, a gay Black man, two Southern belles, and the Mahews themselves – a husband and wife team committed to advancing the women’s suffrage movement. As they prepare to host an important gathering, they receive an unexpected visit from a constable. One of the tenants has been murdered. Hilarious hijinks ensue amidst the backdrop of a murder mystery as the tenants band together to conceal their involvement in the suffrage movement and improves an elaborate ruse to throw the constable off their scent. The investigation, however, reveals much more than murder motives and rabble-rousing. It becomes an examination of human rights, the struggle to define “a woman’s place” and political systems that have historically sought to snuff out feminist voices. 

Characters notes (from script and director). 

Ages are what the character could be.

Mrs Alma Mahew (appx 40-55) – Pragmatic woman who takes people at face value and is committed to helping women help themselves. The Mahews are childless. She is the glue holding everyone together and is the one looking out for them. 

Mrs Miriam Adams (appx 40-55) – A boisterous, well-organized, charming tenant from Alabama. Middle class. Scattered energy. Some physical comedy in one scene. Mild southern accent.

Miss Mabel Adams (late teenager/early 20s). Miriam’s daughter, outspoken and awfully pregnant young woman who shows no true talent for clairvoyance. She’s the most comedic character through “improvising” a séance and bringing a lot of energy. Mild southern accent

Mr Albert Mahew (appx 40-55) – Devoted to his wife and her pursuits in that order. This character brings the heart to the show. He’s a kind, caring man, possibly soft spoken. 

Mr Tennyson Jennings (any age) – An eccentric, brilliant, Black gay tenant. Mr Jennings is devoted to the advancement of civilization. He’s an inventor and the straight man to most of the comedy. Some physical comedy.

Mr Archibald Orton (appx 40-60)  – A burly, large, broad-shouldered, bearded tenant. Mute through much of the show, but about 20 lines and a monologue at the end (shhh… keep that part secret). This character is onstage through most of the show and reacting subtly to action on the stage. Some physical comedy.

Mr Leopold Albright (appx late teens-30) – A young Irish tenant, scholarly and romantic by nature, with strong convictions and a passion for protest. Must be able to do a light Irish accent.

The Constable (appx 30+) – An honorable-seeming New Yorker in search of the truth about Miss Lauralee Hart, a suffragette and Mahew Boarding House tenant who is found dead.  Some physical comedy. 

Link to Audition Sides

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12xAb3jwul_BjwiaIgYI9jFjPkXIthQCq/view?ts=6a384fe8

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yRYZKvM6Yle93-al5qYoti_B_lKcayFO/view?ts=6a384fe8

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KXedkcRX7taAon1Rdip40Jwch9kU5feq/view?ts=6a384fe8

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ljzvT-ivO9HDb9MroJLI1MBQ1YC-aSWR/view?ts=6a384fe8

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vth6_WFkEeoDgipRrJ3jeijeCAhlBK_b/view?ts=6a384fe8