Buckle up, Buckhannon! The Buckhannon Community Theatre is gearing up to present an exhilarating and comically entertaining murder mystery parody titled “The Single Man.”
Scheduled showtimes are as follows: 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9; 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10; and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 11 (allowing you to make it back home in time for football). This play guarantees to be an unforgettable experience.
Crafted by Don Zolidis, the storyline of this parody unfolds when a death threat is discovered on the set of the popular TV series, “The Single Man.” In response to this ominous message, the producers devise a clever plan: they enlist the help of the debonair mustachioed investigator Henri Poisson to stand in for the fearful bachelor and uncover the potential culprit.
The result is a hilarious murder mystery parody that will have viewers in spasms of laughter as Poisson maneuvers through the hearts of eight single women in his quest to solve the mysterious case.
The cast members of ‘The Single Man’ stumble upon a foreboding message. (Photo courtesy Dannie Stiles)
David Carson, an actor and a member of the BCT board, takes on the role of Earl in this production. He notes that the timing of the show is perfect.
“Watching it around Valentine’s Day is ideal,” Carson expressed. “The narrative revolves around a reality TV show where young women compete for the affection of an eligible bachelor. It’s witty, slightly mature, but undeniably enjoyable.”
This theatrical endeavor by the community not only serves as a source of amusement and mid-February delight but also functions as a collaborative fundraiser for Buckhannon’s emerging Colonial Arts Center, the Buckhannon-Upshur Chamber of Commerce, and the BCT.
Carol Meese, a seasoned BCT performer portraying Jessica in the show and also serving on the BCT board, mentioned that the audience may witness some fresh talents on stage.
“In this production, we have a few new faces that might be unfamiliar to the audience,” Meese shared. “We have a diverse group of individuals, and it’s exciting to see more participation in BCT auditions. Rehearsing at the Colonial Arts Center has been fantastic, and the show is shaping up to be a delightful experience — we are thrilled to present it to the community.”
“We are truly enjoying the rehearsals at the CAC,” Carson added. “In previous shows, we sometimes had to use alternative spaces, which meant reacquainting ourselves with the performance area. However, when you become familiar with the actual space where you’ll be performing — including the authentic scenery and props — it significantly benefits the production.”
Leah Propst, the director of “The Single Man,” is lending her expertise to this production. With a theatre degree from Radford University focusing on acting and directing, Propst aims to ensure that the show seamlessly combines talent and entertainment.
With anticipation building for the show, Carson and Meese urge everyone to secure their tickets early to avoid missing out on this captivating experience.
“Make sure to grab your tickets for our upcoming production, ‘The Single Man,’ now,” they emphasized. “It is no longer a dinner theatre, and ticket prices have been adjusted to standard show rates.”
“Do not let this chance slip by to support the local arts community, laugh until your sides ache, and unite with the community for an evening of theatrical brilliance,” Meese added.
Get your tickets at the venue entry, at City Hall, at Salon 88, or at The Buckhannon-Upshur Chamber and Visitors Center.
Curious about what the community theater has in store for the 2024 season? Stay updated by following the BCT on Facebook to discover more about the cast of the upcoming show and to be the first to learn about future productions.
In the image, cast members of ‘The Single Man’ include Matasha Weaver (portraying Eleanor), Brooke Young (as Natalia), Julia Sanford (as Melania), Sarah Fox (playing Andrea), Stephanie Wright (as Sunrise), Abigail Benjamin (as Bailey), and Jon Goff (playing The Host). (Photo courtesy Dannie Stiles)
Featured are the contenders vying for the heart of ‘The Single Man’: Laura Meese, Matasha Weaver, Brooke Young, Julia Sanford, and Sarah Fox. (Photo courtesy Dannie Stiles)