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The Highlands Cashiers Players are gearing up for a new murder-mystery play set for April.
This weekend the group is holding auditions to fill spots in the play.
Drop Dead is a murder-mystery filled with a cast of has-been actors trying to revive their careers by putting on a play directed by the “Wonder Child of the Broadway Stage,” Victor LePewe, but when the murder and mysteries exceed those in the script, the thespians must save the show, as well as their lives.
“Drop Dead is a comedy satire and is a clever little play, really,” director Todd Lipphardt said. “I’ve had some experience with this play before and it was very much loved by the audiences and performers alike. It’s about a bunch of has-been actors that try to work in a very low budget surrounding and for that reason I think it hits home with community theater; a bunch of people who have a passion for what they are doing but haven’t quite hit the bigtime yet.”
Lipphardt said the play is structured as a play within a play.
“With the way it is built, the audience can be drawn in, as well,” Lipphardt said. “The first act is set around the final dress rehearsal. The entire second act is acted out in front of the audience. Things are going wrong all along the way. People are dying, props are breaking, and a lot of the actors are trying to push on through. They want this play to succeed and survive this to the to the end of the play without getting killed themselves. It’s a really fun play and I’m excited to bring it back to the Highlands area.”
Before moving to Highlands, Lipphardt said he was involved in community theater in the metro Detroit area.
“I came here with that passion, excitement and attachment and was able to find the Highlands-Cashiers Players,” Lipphardt said. “This is great for us. This is a great group of people that want to entertain, and the community seems very supportive of this.”
With the auditions coming up, Lipphardt said being involved in this production is a great way to be involved in the community.
“Anybody who has an interest in community theater should have an interest in auditioning,” Lipphardt said. “I would say this play alone is a lot of fun and crosses a lot of borders of all age groups. So, there is a little something in that play for everybody, I just need people who are interested and passionate about it; people who want to bring that energy and passion and want to perform. Theater and performing may be a hobby for the performers, but it is nothing without the audience. So, I need people that are willing to bring their excitement to the viewers.”
Lipphardt said he hopes that audience members get a little diversion from life from the play.
“We hope that people who come to the show have a couple laughs, and get some entertainment,” Lipphardt said. “It is meant to be light-hearted and satirical, and I guarantee that it will bring that to you if you will give it a try. I want people to come and have that escape for those few short hours. A side benefit would be seeing what Highlands-Cashiers Players can deliver and look forward to the next productions.”
With the Highlands-Cashiers Players being a non-profit community theater program, Lipphardt said community theater is very important to the area.
“I think the arts are something that should always persevere in our society, especially with things getting as tough and down as they currently are. You should always have an interest in the arts and be supportive of it. It’s always a good thing, particular for Highlands, that it is always looking for that edge and be more than a place just for shopping by enriching their lives with all facets.”
Auditions are set for Sunday, Feb. 6, from 3 – 5 p.m., at the Highlands Performing Arts Center Auditorium. Callbacks are Monday, Feb. 7, from 6 – 8 p.m.
Scripts are available at Hudson and Cashiers Library.
The dates for the show are April 21-23, at 7:30 p.m., April 24 at 2:30 p.m., April 29-30 at 7:30 p.m. and May 1 at 2:30 p.m.
There are parts available for all ages and genders. If there are any questions, email hcplayers2017@gmail.com or call Lipphardt at 248-817-9908.
- By Christopher Lugo