"Murder in the Magnolias" causes laughter

The Sneads Ferry Community Theatre has been known to perform plays about murder. They have also been known to perform plays based in comedy. Now they are attempting none other than — a murder comedy.

Director Katina Greeves, along with her crew of almost twenty and her cast of 12 (13 if you count the dog) will be tackling Tim Kelly’s “Murder in the Magnolias” this weekend at the Sneads Ferry Community Center. It will be their second consecutive weekend run, after a wildly successful debut last weekend, according to Greeves.

“It’s going really well. We had nearly full houses during the first weekend. It’s been wonderful. I’m amazed at the professionalism of the cast. There is so much talent in Sneads Ferry. I never expected the caliber of talent,” said Greeves, who has been involved in theatre since age of 12, including radio and television work in New York and New Jersey.

“I was amazed how this cast came together as family. With theatre, you can have divas or egos, but they just loved each other and helped each other. We even had dogs and kids at rehearsal! They’re a really tight, tight group. It pleases me to no end,” said Greeves. “I told them, ‘The only thing that makes you amateurs is that you’re not getting paid,’”

As for the play, Greeves explained that while laughing is easy, making people laugh can be one of the most difficult tasks for an stage actor.

“This play is very ‘3 Stooges.’ Comedy is harder than anything you can imagine. The audience enjoys it once they know it isn’t to be taken seriously. Nobody should come in looking to expect reality. Everyone in the play is a caricature. It’s just craziness,” said Greeves.

This weekend’s performances will be at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with a final performance on Sunday, September 20 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under. For more information, call (910) 327-2798.

Cast:

Jim Graziano - Colon Rance Chickenwing

Katie Edson - Amanda Chickenwing

Sherree Smith - Jezabel

Andrea Horan - Voodoo Woman

Jesse O'Neill - Pete Bogg

Kevin Connolly - Thornbird Chickenwing III

Matthew Sullivan - Bubba Kamrowski

Kate Ryba - Lorraine Carruthers

Dennis Darrell Pope - Lawyer Possum

Emily Graham - Princess Loatt Kargo

John Pratt - Sheriff Billy Jerk

Nikki Brochetti - Blanche Du Blank

Lahdida - Princess’ Pooch