About the Show
It is opening night of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society’s production of the 1920s murder mystery The Murder at Haversham Manor. The thespians have seen success with previous plays, and the time has come to present this show––a play similar to Agatha Christie’s’ The Mousetrap––to you, the audience, whether they’re ready or not.
Excitedly, Director Chris Bean welcomes the audience while the company is frantically making last minute changes to the set. They don’t have time to finish, but the play must go on!
Character Charles Haversham is killed, and the murder mystery plot begins to progress, but not very smoothly. Enter Jonathan, who outright trips on his entrance. Thomas and Perkins try to enter, finding the door to be stuck shut.
A plethora of calamities ensue, including disappearing props, missing actors, collapsing sets, forgotten and entirely flubbed lines, breaking character, and more. Throughout the mishaps and chaos on- and backstage, Inspector Carter tries to conduct an investigation on the death of Charles.
The first act ends as the characters realize the murderer must still be in the manor. During the play intermission, the director tries to assure the cast that this isn’t the worst play in the history of ever––and they press forward to Act II.
But the more the play progresses, the worse the acting gets. What will be the big climax: the reveal of the murderer or how this acting troupe survives this performance?
HRP will perform the original Broadway version of the show. The production will be featured as part of the Rec Players’ 2025 Summer Season, and will feature a large-scale set and custom costumes.
Important Dates
Auditions: Auditions will be held on Saturday, May 17, at 10am at First Presbyterian Church at 222 Young Street in Henderson (two blocks from McGregor Hall). When facing the building on Young Street, enter through the doors you will see to your far left. There is ample parking both on Young Street and in the lot of First Presbyterian’s Scout Building on the corner of Young and Chestnut Streets. Note that Young Street is one-way, so plan to approach the church from Garnett Street.
Callbacks: You may be asked to participate in a callback audition on Saturday, May 24, on the McGregor Hall Stage
Rehearsals: Rehearsals will begin in mid-to-late July (TBA). Rehearsals will be held at both McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center at 201 Breckenridge Street in Henderson, and at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Innocents at 210 South Chestnut Street in Henderson. All performances will be held at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center.
Performances: September 5 (7:30pm), September 6 (7:30pm), September 7 (2pm)
Production Team
Director: Betsy Henderson
Technical Director: Matt Nowell
Stage Manager: Gee Burns
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT info@mcgregorhall.org
Resources
Roles and Character Descriptions for the show are available in this document
An overview page of the Broadway production is available at this link
Inclusion and Access
McGregor Hall and the Henderson Rec Players are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. As such, all performers are encouraged to audition, but especially actors with identities historically excluded from the performing arts. Particularly, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and actors with disabilities are welcomed and strongly encouraged to audition for all roles.
Auditions
As part of the audition, you will be taught both musical material and a simple dance combination from the show. You may also be given a cold read. Approximately one week prior to the auditions, you will receive a .pdf of the script for you to review in preparation.
PLEASE NOTE: You are encouraged to audition for all of Henderson Rec Players summer shows. This year, actors WILL be able to participate in both Big Fish and The Play That Goes Wrong.
If any specific accommodation would make the audition process more accessible for you, please send a message outlining your specific need to the director at info@mcgregorhall.org
Register for Auditions
To register for auditions:
Access your McGregor Hall Engage account or create a new one at engage.suran.com/mcgregorhall
Visit engage.suran.com/mcgregorhall again and log in to your account
At the top right-hand side of your screen, click the three lines beside your name, scroll to the bottom of the menu, and choose “New Registration.”
Return to your account at engage.suran.com/mcgregorhall to upload a headshot if you would like (recommended).
