Upcoming Lincoln Amphitheatre play combines mystery, comedy | Arts & Culture

Lincoln Amphitheatre will combine mystery and comedy in a play to take its stage in September. 

They will produce a community production of the two-act play (not musical) The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 opening on September 14.

“The fourth and final theatrical production of our 25th anniversary season should be fun for everyone.  Cooler fall weather combined with some mystery and humor will make this the perfect opportunity to plan a visit to Lincoln Amphitheatre,” says Dan Wilkinson, executive director for Lincoln Amphitheatre.   

The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 is about a creative team responsible for a recent Broadway flop (in which three chorus girls were murdered by the mysterious "Stage Door Slasher") assemble for a backer's audition of their new show at the Westchester estate of a wealthy "angel." The house is replete with sliding panels, secret passageways and a German maid who is apparently four different people—all of which figure diabolically in the comic mayhem which follows when the infamous "Slasher" makes his reappearance and strikes again—and again. 

As the composer, lyricist, actors and director prepare their performance, and a blizzard cuts off any possible retreat, bodies start to drop in plain sight, knives spring out of nowhere, masked figures drag their victims behind swiveling bookcases, and accusing fingers point in all directions. However, and with no thanks to the bumbling police inspector who snowshoes in to investigate, the mystery is solved in the nick of time and the "Slasher" unmasked.

Lincoln Amphitheatre presents The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 running September 14, 15, 21, and 22 with pre-show and optional meal service beginning at 6:30 p.m. CDT and performances at 7:30 p.m. CDT. Ticket prices are $18 for adults; $15 for seniors ages 55 and older, students ages seven to 21, and military; and $5 for children ages six and under plus a $1 per person service charge added to each ticket.  The optional meal service includes fried chicken, ham, German fries, baked beans, vegetable medley, and slaw at an additional charge to guests who reserve at least three days in advance.