Gala opening brings a crowd to the ‘Web of Murder’

The 2012 season at the Fort Smith Little Theatre kicked off with a diabolical plot of deceit, mystery, and peril. A gala opening on Feb. 16, for “Web of Murder” by Jonathan Troy and directed by Rikkee Workman found a line waiting outside before the doors opened at 7:15 pm.

Guests stood in line to get their tickets once the doors opened and were treated to champagne, sodas, and bottled water and finger foods.

The play opens up at the mansion of the ailing and irritable Minerva Osterman who has been confined to a wheelchair for many years. The mansion has basically became a prison for not only herself but also for her daughter, Stephanie, her personal physician, Dr. Adler, and her housekeeper, Nora.

Fearing that her death was imminent, Minerva draws up her will and summons her two nieces so she may confront all her possible heirs in person and watch their reactions as she reads the will. She asks her nieces to come alone, but they arrive with their respective fiances.

Before the contents of her will are revealed, she has the mysterious Dr. Adler put her into a hypnotic trance. She predicts that someone in the room will kill her and in addition, three others will also be killed. Her prediction comes true when she herself dies before intermission.

During intermission, playgoers discussed with each other who they thought the murderer could be, and enjoyed desserts of cake and coffee before returning to see the finish of the play.

After intermission, more bodies turn up, and fear and suspicion grow among the remaining. The will mysteriously disappears before it was ever read. In the end, the murderer is unmasked in a chilling, exciting climax that is held off until the final moments of the play.

Suspense lovers may enjoy the exciting conclusion by visiting the Fort Smith Little Theatre during the regular performances to be held on Feb. 17, 18, and 22-25 and matinee performance on Feb. 19.