Shell Knob’s community theater hosts fall play, draws crowds each performance
November 23, 2022
Shown above, Lieutenant Dan Morrow, played by Andy Miller, addresses the audience during the murder mystery.
Kadee Brosseau DeCourley
Shell Knob in the Spotlight (SKITS) hosted its fall play November 11, 12, and 13. The play was called Murder in the House of Horrors. The play was a fun, interactive experience for audience members as they got to play a role in solving the murder mystery.
“This play was a murder mystery centered around the death of a prominent Eygptologist who was giving a lecture at the prestigious Hamilton Museum. When the lights go dark and Professor Dirk Carlton is found dead on stage with his most valuable archaeological find missing, the case of ‘whodunit’ begins. Dirk is murdered by one of the seven suspects there to watch his lecture on "the eye of uadjit," a priceless gem found in the tomb of the Pharaoh Menkare. The gem is missing and whoever killed Dirk stole the gem, as well,” Cast Member and SKITS Board Member Andy Miller said. “The local homicide detective arrives to investigate the suspects and, with the help of the audience, solve the case. Was it his scorned ex wife, his devoted assistant, the curator of the museum, the museum's wealthy patron or her lawyer, or perhaps the foreign diplomats from Egypt who resent the gem being taken from their country? Through thorough questioning of the suspects by witnesses in the audience, the case is solved!”
About 14 cast members performed the play and there were also four (actor) statues that made up the monsters, murderers, and madmen exhibit, which was part of the audience participation aspect of the play. Other volunteers helped build sets, costumes, and direct the play.
The fall play is one of two per year. SKITS started in 2013 when a small group of seven board members set up booths at local flea markets and other events to draw cast and crew members and to encourage people to come watch the performances.
“Our first play was a one-hour play called A Hillbilly Christmas. Everything was donated to put it on. We had a very small attendance for the first play, until people started hearing about us. Then, our audience grew and we started getting sponsors. The Central Community United Methodist Church was the original venue and still is today. We borrowed a stage and a volunteer hand-made a curtain from pieces of material donated, which we used until the Table Rock Lake Community Foundation gave us a grant for a new one this fall of 2022,” SKITS Board President Patty Ellison said.
Miller said SKITS is able to bring a fun, unique experience to rural Stone and Barry Counties for both participants and viewers.
“I have always been amazed at the fact that we have enough people that truly want to take part in every aspect of the show, from acting and directing, to set design, props and makeup and lights and sound. For a small production, we have such a high level of talent in all areas and it really shows in the high production value achieved in every show. And, the best part is everyone loves doing their part no matter what it is, and truly buys into the process,” Miller explained.
The next SKITS play will be in the spring. While the exact date is not set, the spring plays usually take place in late April.
“If you haven't had a chance to see one of the productions, we highly encourage anyone and everyone to come and check it out! We have a ton of fun and our audiences are always as engaged as the cast! And if you have ever even thought of trying your hand on the stage, we welcome you,” Miller said.
SKITS welcomes anyone who would like to participate in any part of the next production, from acting to building sets. You can contact SKITS through its Facebook page or website at www.shellknobspotlight.com. You can also just show up to auditions. Audition dates can be found on their Facebook page and website.
“The more the merrier. From first time actors to veterans of the stage, all are welcome,” Miller said.
Shell Knob in the Spotlight (SKITS) hosted its fall play November 11, 12, and 13. The play was called Murder in the House of Horrors. The play was a fun, interactive experience for audience members as they got to play a role in solving the murder mystery.
“This play was a murder mystery centered around the death of a prominent Eygptologist who was giving a lecture at the prestigious Hamilton Museum. When the lights go dark and Professor Dirk Carlton is found dead on stage with his most valuable archaeological find missing, the case of ‘whodunit’ begins. Dirk is murdered by one of the seven suspects there to watch his lecture on "the eye of uadjit," a priceless gem found in the tomb of the Pharaoh Menkare. The gem is missing and whoever killed Dirk stole the gem, as well,” Cast Member and SKITS Board Member Andy Miller said. “The local homicide detective arrives to investigate the suspects and, with the help of the audience, solve the case. Was it his scorned ex wife, his devoted assistant, the curator of the museum, the museum's wealthy patron or her lawyer, or perhaps the foreign diplomats from Egypt who resent the gem being taken from their country? Through thorough questioning of the suspects by witnesses in the audience, the case is solved!”
About 14 cast members performed the play and there were also four (actor) statues that made up the monsters, murderers, and madmen exhibit, which was part of the audience participation aspect of the play. Other volunteers helped build sets, costumes, and direct the play.
The fall play is one of two per year. SKITS started in 2013 when a small group of seven board members set up booths at local flea markets and other events to draw cast and crew members and to encourage people to come watch the performances.
“Our first play was a one-hour play called A Hillbilly Christmas. Everything was donated to put it on. We had a very small attendance for the first play, until people started hearing about us. Then, our audience grew and we started getting sponsors. The Central Community United Methodist Church was the original venue and still is today. We borrowed a stage and a volunteer hand-made a curtain from pieces of material donated, which we used until the Table Rock Lake Community Foundation gave us a grant for a new one this fall of 2022,” SKITS Board President Patty Ellison said.
Miller said SKITS is able to bring a fun, unique experience to rural Stone and Barry Counties for both participants and viewers.
“I have always been amazed at the fact that we have enough people that truly want to take part in every aspect of the show, from acting and directing, to set design, props and makeup and lights and sound. For a small production, we have such a high level of talent in all areas and it really shows in the high production value achieved in every show. And, the best part is everyone loves doing their part no matter what it is, and truly buys into the process,” Miller explained.
The next SKITS play will be in the spring. While the exact date is not set, the spring plays usually take place in late April.
“If you haven't had a chance to see one of the productions, we highly encourage anyone and everyone to come and check it out! We have a ton of fun and our audiences are always as engaged as the cast! And if you have ever even thought of trying your hand on the stage, we welcome you,” Miller said.
SKITS welcomes anyone who would like to participate in any part of the next production, from acting to building sets. You can contact SKITS through its Facebook page or website at www.shellknobspotlight.com. You can also just show up to auditions. Audition dates can be found on their Facebook page and website.
“The more the merrier. From first time actors to veterans of the stage, all are welcome,” Miller said.