PRESS
RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date:
12/23/2019
Contact: Andrew Rothman
From: Chagrin Valley Little Theatre
40 River Street
Chagrin Falls, OH 44122
Phone: 440-247-8955
E-mail: cvlt@cvlt.org
Website: www.CVLT.org
PRESS PHOTOS: www.CVLT.org/promo
Two Chagrin Falls arts
organizations collaborate to create a killer set for ART
OF MURDER, a comedic thriller Jan. 17 - Feb. 8 at Chagrin
Valley Little Theatre
CHAGRIN
FALLS, Ohio - The egos of the fine art scene can be a real
killer and Chagrin Valley Little Theatre is out to prove
it with their staging of Joe DiPietro's ART OF MURDER.
This satirical murder mystery will have audiences laughing
at the edge of their seats, and will keep them guessing
about the identity of both the murderer and the victim.
The play opens on CVLT's Main Stage at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan.
17 and runs Friday and Saturday evenings through Feb. 8,
with one matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday Jan. 26.
DiPietro, the acclaimed playwright behind the Broadway
musicals I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change
and Memphis, sets his play in the remote
Connecticut countryside estate of Jack and Annie Brooks
(played by Mark Hilan and Theresa Dean). The couple are
both accomplished artists (despite Jack receiving more
recognition), and have a meeting planned with their
scheming art dealer, Vincent (Christian Achkar). As
lecherous and overbearing Jack mistreats his vengeful
wife, he makes passes at their Irish immigrant
housekeeper, Kate (Civia Wiesner). In true
suspense-thriller fashion, all four have the motive,
means, and opportunity, but who will kill and who will be
killed? As Mrs. Brooks says, "There’s a monster inside all
of us. Most of us keep the monster buried, but sometimes
it must come out."
Of
course, any show about fine artists requires plenty of
fine art, and CVLT's neighboring Valley Art Center was
happy to oblige. While creating the set, director/designer
Brian Westerley and technical director Edmond Wolff
collaborated with VAC mixed-media artist Suzan Kraus to
adorn the Brooks residence. Also contributing original art
is VAC Executive Director Mary Ann Breisch, including the
mysterious Study in Red #4, which was created
specifically for the show. The two non-profit arts
organizations have a combined 130 years of service to the
Chagrin Valley and surrouonding communities
This high-action mystery is "short in length, but long on
laughs, thrills, and chills," according to Mr. Westerley.
The show is produced by Jean Hood with Jeanie Gaither
performing Stage Manager duties. Eli Ravenson serves as
Apprentice Director.
Friends
of CVLT will be offering three pre-show Happy Hours at 7
p.m. on Fridays Jan. 24 and 31, and Feb. 7. Guest
bartenders including Joanne Zettl, Angela and Rob
DeBernardo, Mayor Bill Tomko, Lea Mersol Sheptak, Mary Ann
Ponce, and Steve Eva will tend a cash bar with wine, beer,
soda, and complimentary snacks in the lobby.
Tickets
for ART OF MURDER are $19, with a $4 student/senior
discount. Group rates for 10+ are available. Tickets and
details are available at www.CVLT.org or by phone at
440-247-8955, Monday through Saturday from 1-6 PM. The
Main Stage is located at 40 River Street in historic
Chagrin Falls Village.
CVLT is generously funded by Cuyahoga County residents
through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and supported by the
Ohio Arts Council.
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