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'The Butler Did It' at Albright Theatre Company

It's been described as a lighthearted and fun throwback to the classic thrillers of yesterday. Find out "whodunit" when Batavia's Albright Theatre Company presents "The Butler Did It" by Walter Marks and Peter Marks.

"The Butler Did It" focuses on Anthony J. Lefcourt, a writer and director who hopes to change his fortunes with his latest production, a classic whodunit in which all the characters are named Butler. In a desperate attempt to get his cast to focus on the show, and not their egos or love lives, Lefcourt stages the murder of a cast member. Things do not go as planned, causing the plot to twist and turn in unexpected ways until both the actors and the audience have lost track of what is real and what is make-believe.

Carol Stream resident Jeannine Collins, a founding member of the Albright Theatre Company, is the director of this production.

"I am really enjoying directing this production," Collins said. "It is not an Agatha Christie mystery, but it could be with all its twists and turns. What I like most about this script is that it adds comedic moments which are definitely brought to life by my talented cast. It's the ... fun mixed with suspense that I think make this show different and a joy to bring to life."

Cast members for "The Butler Did It" are all taking on dual roles. Batavia residents are Patrick Deering as writer/director Tony Lefcourt, Kristen Carroccia as Mrs. Butler/Natalie and Nicolette Pollack as Vicki Butler/Claudia, Edward Voci of River Forest as Mr. Butler/Robert, Michael Mattingly of Sycamore as Aldo/Michael, and Galen Malick of Bartlett as Detective Mumford. The show is supported by first-time stage manager Annie Hanlin of Batavia and producer Ron Gustin, also of Batavia.

"We're having a lot of fun during rehearsal. Keeping us all on track is our hardworking stage manager Annie," Collins said. "We've got a great group with this cast and crew. I can hope the audience will enjoy this show as much as we've enjoyed putting it all together. Come to our show and see if you can figure out whodunit."

"The Butler Did It" runs weekends Oct. 30 through Nov. 14. It is rated PG; some parental guidance is suggested.

Performance times are 8 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. The Albright Theatre Company is at 100 N. Island Ave., third floor of the Batavia Government Building. Tickets are $15 or $12 for students/seniors. Reservations are highly recommended; call (630) 406-8838. For more information, visit www.albrighttheatre.com.

Patrick Deering of Batavia as writer/director Tony Lefcourt, from left, Michael Mattingly of Sycamore as Aldo/Michael, Nicolette Pollack of Batavia as Vicki Butler/Claudia, Galen Malick of Bartlett as Detective Mumford and Edward Voci of River Forest as Mr. Butler/Robert in Albright Theatre Company's production of "The Butler Did It." Courtesy of Albright Theatre Company
Edward Voci of River Forest as Mr. Butler/Robert, From left, Patrick Deering of Batavia as writer/director Tony Lefcourt and Michael Mattingly of Sycamore as Aldo/Michael in Albright Theatre Company's production of "The Butler Did It." Courtesy of Albright Theatre Company

If you go

What: Albright Theatre Company's production of "The Butler Did It"

When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 30 through Nov. 14

Where: 100 N. Island Ave., third floor of the Batavia Government Building

Tickets: $15 for adults; $12 for students/seniors.

Details: Call (630) 406-8838 or visit <a href="http://www.albrighttheatre.com">www.albrighttheatre.com</a>.

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