Mad cap mystery has lots of action

Waubonsie Valley junior Amy Berger hasn't missed a theatrical production in her nearly three-year tenure at the Aurora high school.

But never has she been in a performance as "crazy" as this year's winter production, John Bishop's "Musical Comedy Murders of 1940," which continues tonight and Sunday afternoon.

The play is based on several 1940s mystery movies, with the action taking place in a mansion, replete with sliding panels and secret passageways.

According to director David Calvert, it's also the first murder mystery to be produced at Waubonsie in at least 20 years.

In her role as Elsa von Grossenknueften, the owner of the mansion victimized when the infamous Slasher strikes again and again, Berger says she plays a role unlike any other.

"Elsa, like the entire production, is all over the place, non-stop action and comedy," Berger said. "Audiences are going to blink and miss some zany things going on.

"From the first scene to the last, it's pure murder, mystery and mayhem."

Calvert studies several shows during the summer months before selecting the year's performances. This one was easy to choose because he believed it would be fun for the 10-member cast.

"The play has every kind of character -- from law enforcement to ambitious lyricist -- and the kids are having a blast with it," he said. "Their enthusiasm and fun shines through in the characters they play."

Sophomore Joe Robinson plays undercover cop Michael Kelly, who is sent to the mansion to try to figure out which of the other characters is The Stage Door Slasher.

"I play the police officer and I still enjoy watching the mystery unfold, because we never know who the killer is and neither does the audience," Robinson said. "It's a true mystery production in every sense of the word."

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. today and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets, available at the box office before each show, are $6 for adults and $5 for students.

If you go

What: "Musical Comedy Murders of 1940"

When: 7:30 p.m. today, 2 p.m. Sunday

Where: Waubonsie Valley High School, 2590 Ogden Ave., Aurora

Tickets: $6 for adults, $5 for students

Info: (630) 375-3284