Hobart Community Theatre will open their fifth consecutive summer production, And Then There Were None, on July 13 at Hobart High School Performing Arts Center. Showings will run July 13- July 15 at 7:30pm each night.
And Then There Were None is a murder mystery written by Agatha Christie, famous mystery author. The story takes place on Soldier Island off the coast of England. The characters are from all walks of life and meet for the first time on the island resort. One by one, they mysteriously begin to die. The remaining characters race to figure out who is the murderer and try to prevent becoming the next victim. The popular story has also been recreated in movies and television series, each with a unique ending. This show has undoubtedly kept audiences on the edge of their seats for decades. Hobart Community Theatre’s take on this classic suspense filled play is being directed by Tracy Petruska Brumley and Alexis Jenkins.
Every summer, Hobart High School opens its stage and castings to the entire community, beyond just HHS students. Teenagers, parents, and all ages alike come together to put on a show. The cast of this production features eleven community members ranging in age from 17 years old to 50 years old.
Much of the cast of this production are Hobart High School alumni, or staff of the School City of Hobart. Family members of HHS student alumni often become involved during summer shows, and play a great role in the crew and cast of this production. The cast includes Michael Lind, James Bowers, Nina Mendoza, Ailey Brumley, Garrett Barrasas, Cade Brumley, Corbin Barrasas, David Jenkins, Jasmine Miller, Winyu Sheriff, and Jonathon Brumley.
There are many other individuals working behind the scenes, as well. Set design, costuming, lighting and sound all come into play in this production, and pull any show together. About 30 members of the Hobart Community are donating their time and talents to this production in the way of cast and crew alike. The passion that these individuals have is able to keep a love and respect of the Fine Arts alive in Hobart.
Hobart Community Theatre was founded in 2013 by Tracy Petruska Brumley as an opportunity for people in Northwest Indiana interested in both performing and working behind the scenes. The group produces one play each summer. Previous productions by the group are The Great Gatsby, Father Knows Best, Picnic, and Roustabout: The Great Circus Train Wreck.
There have been many people on board since the group began, including technical director, Chris Conner; builders, David Jenkins and Harry Petruska; lighting designer, Ronald Seeley; Assistant to the director, Nancy Petruska; and costume designer, Kathleen Belk. Many of the people involved play many roles both on and off stage.
Kathleen Belk, costume designer for several years to HHS Theatre Department, is the reason And Then There Were None was chosen this season. Belk is a huge fan of the show and has been interested in designing costumes for it since the group began in 2013. This year, the timing was right for the show, and Belk’s wishes came true. Belk’s excitement for the show allowed for countless prepared ideas for costuming the cast in part to the late 1930’s setting of And Then There Were None.
“I have been asking to do this show for 5 years because it's one of my favorite pieces of entertainment of all time. I remember watching the movie and reading the book and loving everything about all of them,” said Belk.
She added “The whole idea of 10 people coming to a mansion on an island by invite for various reasons and all having to confront their deepest darkest secret in front of 9 strangers is compelling to me. I love a good ‘who dunnit’ and this show is a great ‘who dunnit’ with a fantastic twist. While the show is set in the 30's, I think it's just as relevant today as it was almost 80 years ago. Now that the show is almost ready to open, I can honestly say, the Directors, cast and crew have done a magnificent job at creating an awe inspiring setting to enjoy one of Agatha Christie's best ‘who dunnits’!”
Hobart Community Theatre goes to benefit the school year productions at HHS. Each Summer, all profits raised from the shows are donated to the Hobart High School theatre department.
Support a local thespian: visit Hobart Community Theatre’s rendition of And Then There Were None.
Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at the door, which will open at 7:00pm each night. Please enter through Door 21 at Hobart High School.