Gadsden, AL – The Gadsden State Community College Theatre Program will present A Murder is Announced at 7 p.m. October 23–25 in the Inzer Hall Black Box Theatre on the Wallace Drive Campus.
“The Black Box Theatre has grown with the number of student cast members and the talent,” said Joe Fuselli, director of the theatre program. “This was one of the most difficult shows to cast.”
The production features several new actors. Amelia St. John will portray Letitia Blacklock, Daelynn Caldwell will play Mitzi, Mae Ussery will appear as Mrs. Swettenham, and Sana McCarther will take on the role of Bunny.
“They all have the chops to hang with the veterans,” Fuselli said. “Amelia is a natural. She has a genuine quality that I know will resonate with the audience.”
Based on Agatha Christie’s classic novel, the play is set in the 1950s, where detective work relied on interrogation and deduction rather than modern forensic science. The story begins with an announcement in a local newspaper in the quiet village of Chipping Cleghorn that a murder will occur—a warning that proves to be chillingly accurate.
“It makes the noir style of the play delightfully melodramatic,” Fuselli said. “The dynamics between Craddock and Marple keep the mood light. Marple manages to annoy him initially but soon proves to be his ace in the hole.”
Fuselli described the show as lighthearted and accessible for audiences of all ages, noting the mix of eccentric characters and humor.
“Sana is a little powerhouse,” he said. “She has that quality that makes you want to watch her to see what she does next. Mae is incredibly expressive as Mrs. Swettenham and can effectively convey a character’s choice. Daelynn seems completely fearless as Mitzi and super high-energy, which is perfect for her role.”
Tickets are $8 for the public and $6 for students and Gadsden State employees. They are available online or at the door.
For updates and behind-the-scenes content, follow the Division of Fine Arts – Gadsden State on Facebook. More information about Gadsden State’s Fine Arts Programs is available at gadsdenstate.edu/student-life/fine-arts.
Cast List
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Addie Jenkins — Julia Simmons
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Amelia St. John — Letitia Blacklock
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Sana McCarther — Dora Bunner
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Nolan Fletcher — Patrick Simmons
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Daelynn Caldwell — Mitzi
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Buffey Bailey — Miss Marple
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Diana Alhegazen — Phillipa Haymes
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Mae Ussery — Mrs. Swettenham
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Ian Kilgore — Edmund Swettenham
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Dylan Rogerson — Rudi Scherz
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Ian Johnson — Inspector Craddock
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Josh Kimbril — Sergeant Mellors
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Phoenix Rich — ASM
