Murder, mystery, and mayhem! our 2018-2019 season

The Walpole Footlighters is pleased to announce our 2018-2019 season! We will kick off the season in September with a special event, Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins by Margaret Engel and Allison Engel, directed by Peter Bradley. Red Hot Patriot tells the story of the unsinkable Molly Ivins, the famously brassy newspaper columnist and best-selling author. A true Texas original, Ivins was a sharp-tongued wit who skewered the political establishment and the "good ol' boys" with her unforgettable humor and wisdom. Written by twin sisters, themselves longtime journalists, the play celebrates Ivins' courage and tenacity – even when a complacent America wasn't listening. Tickets are $20 and proceeds go to the Footlighters Scholarship Fund.

The official season opens in October with Flemming (An American Thriller) by Sam Bobrick, directed by Paul Campbell. Bored by his privileged, but mundane life, Henry Flemming sells his lucrative brokerage firm to become a detective. On his very first case, and to the horror of his wife, Karen, and his two crazy neighbors, Suzy and Stan, the Flemming living room begins to fill up with dead bodies. Karen is further annoyed when one of them turns out to be her father. Even though Henry keeps showing up at home every day more disheveled and beaten up, he couldn't be happier. Henry is convinced he's found his life's work and Westport, Connecticut is safer for it. The play is a spoof of thrillers from the 1940's and 50's.

Our season continues with The Mystery of Miz Arnette by Alan Bailey and Ronnie Claire Edwards, directed by Marianne Phinney. The Mystery of Miz Arnette is set in Oklahoma's devastating Dust Bowl. The time is 1934, when Baby Face Nelson and Pretty Boy Floyd along with their gangs roamed the territory. Out of the desolate nowhere arrives Miz Arnette to rent the room that had been advertised and leased four months ago. With the family farm at stake and desperate for the additional income, young Floy Kate strikes a deal and takes in the intriguing stranger that would forever change her life. 

We end the season with the Drama Desk nominee Adrift in Macao with book and lyrics by Christopher Durang and music by Peter Melnick, directed by Jonah LeDoux. Set in 1952 in Macao, China, Adrift in Macao is a loving parody of film noir movies. Everyone that comes to Macao is waiting for something, and though none of them know exactly what that is, they hang around to find out. The characters include standards like Laureena, the curvaceous blonde, who luckily bumps into Rick Shaw, the cynical surf and turf casino owner on her first night in town. She ends up getting a job singing in his night club – perhaps for no reason other than the fact that she looks great in a slinky dress. And don't forget about Mitch, the American who has just been framed for murder by the mysterious villain McGuffin. With songs and quips, puns and farcical shenanigans, this musical parody is bound to please audiences of all ages.

Subscriptions will be available June 1 online and by mail. If you want to be added to our mailing list, sign up here.