Done to Death
By Fred Carmichael
Directed by Connor Davis
Five legendary mystery writers, each with their own signature style, come together to craft the ultimate murder mystery television series. But when the line between fiction and reality begins to blur, the real mystery becomes — who’s writing the plot, and who’s caught in it?
From a duo of high-society crime novelists to a hardboiled detective fiction veteran, a suave spy thriller scribe, and an aging queen of classic whodunits, these authors bring their wildest ideas to life… quite literally. As bodies drop and theories collide, the audience is swept into a whirlwind of ingenious twists, outrageous characters, and a loving parody of the mystery genre itself.
Packed with rapid-fire wit, surprising reveals, and nonstop intrigue, Done to Death is a fast-paced, laugh-filled homage to the greatest murder stories ever told. Can these brilliant minds crack the case before they become the next victims? Or will this be their final chapter?
A wickedly fun comedy-mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end!
February 27–March 1 at 7:00 pm and March 2 at 2:00 pm
March 13–15 at 7:00 pm
The Hive Collaborative, St. Paul
The Cast
Kendra Alaura (Jessica Olive) is a stage and film/commercial actress based out of Minneapolis, MN. Behind the scenes, she is also a screen writer and producer of short films some of which have traveled across America and sometimes Europe. A longtime student of the stage and known for her commanding presence and endearing portrayals, she has had the privilege of being a part of multiple Minneapolis shows, most recently Cleo in Black Comedy by Peter Shaffer and Kathleen in Flanagan’s Wake by James Joyce. Other notable roles include Gwendolyn Fairfax in The Importance of Being Earnest, Helena in Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Margaret in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. She is also recognized for her musical talent, playing roles such as Eponine in Les Miserables, Frenchie in Grease, and Audrey in The Little Shop of Horrors which she was fortunate enough to play in two separate productions.
Ms. Alaura has also appeared in several music videos with artists such as Carnage the Executioner, Katana Da Don, Tall Paul, and Anna Marie Carey. Known as a triple threat with her certifications in stage combat and broadsword, Alaura is also known for her work in Girl Stuff, a multi-award winning comedy about a true test of female friendship, co-written and produced by Alaura and Tiffany Cornwell. Alaura enchants viewers with the sincerity, grace, exuberant lead talent, and humor a la Lucille Ball, one of her personal she-roes.
Brock Ray (Whitney Olive) is proud to return to Applause Community Theatre stage. He has previously performed in numerous on-stage and digital productions with ACT, including Our Dearest Friends, Ending True, The Piano Teacher, Stop the Monsanity, Zoom Out, Chattered Ends, Reunion Forever, and Do You Read Me. He also performed on-stage with Duck Soup Players in Belles of the West. For the past two years, Brock has also helped ACT with graphic design and promotion.
Originally hailing from Washington, D.C., Brock has made Minnesota his home with his wife, Jennifer, and children, Collin and Bonnie. When he’s not immersed in his day job as Director of Marketing & Creative with Traust Consulting, he can be found playing guitar, singing karaoke, and facilitating successful community and international service projects as a member of the Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary Club.
Thistle Parker-Hartog (Mildred Z. Maxwell) is excited to be doing theater again after a 25-year break to raise a family and enable her son's theatrical aspirations. She has been in love with theater since her own mother signed her up for a traveling children's theater performance in rural Oregon. She then spent her childhood and youth in school plays, community theater productions, historical re-enactments, a political satire troup, and an educational improv group. Upon coming to Minnesota for college, Parker-Hartog continued to dabble in plays in between academics, and capped it all off with a whirlwind four-play summer with Uninvited Company, Carleton's 12-person summer theater troupe. Now living in Minneapolis, a generation later, she is grateful to Applause for giving her an opportunity to act again, and her fellow performers for helping her get back in the saddle!
Dustin Rupe (Brad Benedict) works in IT by day, balancing the tech life with his artistic pursuits. He hates writing bios but loves the performing arts and the challenge that live theater presents! Thank you to Applause Community Theatre for this opportunity and to YOU the audience for supporting it. Excited to be part of this incredible group effort, Dustin looks forward to exploring more opportunities in the performing arts. Enjoy the show!
Shannon Mark Kennedy (Rodney Duckton) has trod the boards from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to Minneapolis since 1973. His most recent appearances were: The Butler, Clue, Columbia Heights Community Theater; Sam, Ending True, Applause Community Theater; Judge Gaffney, Harvey, Columbia Heights Community Theater; Multiple Roles, The Dining Room, Fridley Community Theater.
Retired after a long career in public service, Shannon sings with the Mill City Singers and is on the Board of the Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative. He thanks his wife of 52 years, Cyril Anne, for her constant support and patience!
Kris Westberg (Susan Summers) is absolutely thrilled to be playing the enthusiastic yet nervous Susan Summers. Her previous community theater appearances include Mrs. Bradman in Blithe Spirit with Rosemount Front Porch Players and Rhonda Lynn in Christmas Belles with Expressions Community Theater. Getting to work with such talented actors in this show has been a highlight for her, and having the opportunity to be part of a classic detective show is a dream come true. Kris lives in Minneapolis with her husband, Bill, and their cute cat, Millie. She wants to thank Bill for being so supportive and for encouraging her to pursue her dreams!
Mark Huberty (George) would like to thank Applause, especially Connor and Gary, for providing this opportunity to check off a bucket list item and learn outside of his comfort zone. He’d like to also thank this amazing cast for their warm, patient, encouraging, and instructive welcome to this neophyte. Thanks to Thistle Parker-Hartog for thinking of him and alerting him to this opportunity. Huberty also thanks his incredible network of family and friends who have been wonderfully supportive (additional shoutout to the Waldens for showing him the way to the delights of community theatre). Most of all, he thanks his love, Grayce, and their fur-babies, Haberdasher and Adora Belle, for encouraging this pursuit and accommodating this small upheaval to their routine.
Amy Luedtke (Man/Girl/Secretary) has performed with a variety of community theater companies since 2007, including Applause, Fridley Community Theatre, Eden Prairie Players, Chameleon Theatre Circle, Lyric Arts, and Duck Soup Players. Amy lives in NE Minneapolis with her husband, dog, and two cats, and is a runner, blogger, latch hooker, and amateur musician (drums, keys, singing). Amy is a librarian and the manager of Web and Online Services for Hennepin County public libraries.
Debbie Schneider (Martha) is thrilled to perform in Done to Death. Over the past two decades, she has shared her passion for theater with several Twin Cities community groups, including both onstage and behind-the-scenes roles at Applause Community Theatre. Debbie is especially grateful for the chance to collaborate with this talented cast and crew—and can’t wait to bring the fun to life for audiences.
Nora Persephone (Stagehand/Stephanie Mildaur) is extremely excited to return to the stage after a "brief" 6 year break. This is also her first show since moving to MN, having done shows with a few different cominnity theaters back in her home town in SD. Nora lives in Hastings with her amazing partner Arthur and their 4 kitties. She wants to thank Arthur and her friend Kimary for believing in her and encouraging her to finaly get back on the stage.
Bruce Bolon (Gregory) has been a professor in the physics department at Hamline University since 2002, but has always been extremely interested in the fine arts. He teaches a course in musical acoustics, as well as one for new students on “The Classic Rock Era of Music.” He has played drums, piano or flute in many different ensembles, including marching bands, jazz bands and orchestras, but focuses primarily on composition. This spring he will host his sixth composition recital as part of completing a flexible curriculum degree in music theory and composition at Hamline University. Bruce has always been interested in theatre, as well, beginning with drama classes in high school. In 2006, he played piano and the part of Herod in the Hamline University production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
Faith Martin (Jane) is thrilled to be in Applause Theatres production of Done to Death! She has loved theatre for a very long time but this is her first show after taking a break to get married and buy a house! She hopes you all enjoy the show!
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