On the afternoon of opening night for Studio Theatre’s Die Theatrically, first-time director Mark Berezan said he was excited and ready to see the show go live.
“I’m not nervous at all,” he told the Tribune. “After our first dress rehearsal on Monday night I could see everyone was ready to go.”
The show has something for everyone, Berezan said.
By Thursday morning Berezan was on cloud nine.
“Everyone had a great time at opening night,” he said. “Every last person was smiling when they left the theatre.”
The story line revolves around detectives Jane and Tom who investigate a murder at a community theatre’s all-female production of Macbeth the Musical.
Written by Canadian playwright Mat Kelly, the Studio Theatre’s production is the first time this play has ever been performed on stage.
Berezan was looking for a Canadian play and came across Kelly’s website.
“When I read the script I knew it would be a lot of fun,” Berezan said. “It has every type of comedy and if you love mysteries there’s that element too.”
Because the play has only been workshopped in Ontario, but never staged, Studio Theatre is videotaping its production to send Kelly a copy, along with a poster and program.
“He’ll get a whole package,” Berezan said.
The Die Theatrically cast includes Tanis Daum as detective Jane; Terry Lyons as detective Tom; Jennifer McPhee as Penny; Kirsten Sandberg as Jackie; Kathy MacDonald as Amy; Jane Birkbeck as Carolyn; and Cole Mitchell as Luke.
While developing the comedy Berezan along with the cast have tried to make it look like every character is a suspect so that the audience is engaged trying to figure out who is guilty.
“If you’re a mystery fan you’ll have fun,” he said.
Two years ago Berezan joined Studio Theatre, acting in last year’s productions of Urine Town the Musical and Sense and Sensibility.
“I have to admit I was sucked into the whole theatre thing,” he said. “Once you get started you can’t stop because it’s so much fun.”
As the theatre began exploring ways to celebrate its 60th anniversary, Berezan decided he’d pitch Die Theatrically and offer to direct.
“It’s a good funny play for the anniversary,” he said.
The show runs this Friday and Saturday, and again next week from Wednesday Jan. 21 through Saturday, Jan. 24.
Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Show time is 8 p.m.
Tickets are available at The Open Book, About Face Photography and The Realm of Toys.