Pine Bluff, Arkansas – The ARTx3 Campus, known for its riveting theatrical productions, is all set to unravel yet another captivating tale. This time, it’s a gripping mystery intertwined with a rush of laughter. “Three Murders and It’s Only Monday,” a lightning-paced comedy, is about to unfold its curious web of humor and horror at ARTx3’s Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater.
Jonathan R. Hoover’s character, private eye Harry Monday, says, “It was the kind of night when you caught yourself holding your breath for no reason at all.” The story takes off with Monday embroiled in his third murder investigation of a single night at the Peaceful Pines Sanitarium. The recurring murders have even the local police weary, humorously suggesting that the hospital might as well phone in the subsequent details.
The plot thickens with the arrival of sultry soon-to-be-heiress Tara, played by Susan Harris, and the revelation that all the deceased belong to one family! As Harry delves deeper, a series of peculiar characters emerge: an old sea captain, a ventriloquist, a hobo, and a myriad of others with potential motives and suspicious actions. Each character, be it the mysterious lawyer Lilly Dramkean or the ever-elusive socialite Mary Tobias, adds another layer of intrigue to the unfolding puzzle.
As the storm outside rages, taking power and plunging the sanitarium into darkness, the murders keep coming. Director Martin Carty, with his co-director Lindsey Collins, creates an atmosphere reminiscent of classic detective movies where every clue, every laugh, and every suspicion keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
A Director with Flair for Mysteries
Martin Carty, no stranger to mysteries, has previously directed Halloween hits at the ARTx3 Campus. Following the success of “Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express” in 2022 and “You Have the Right to Remain Dead” in 2021, Carty believes that these shows, especially with audience participation, are a sheer delight to produce. According to him, the charm lies in the unique interaction between the cast and the audience, making each show a novel experience.
An Invitation to Dive into the Mystery
Fans of theater and mysteries alike should not miss out on this roller-coaster of emotions. The show is scheduled for performances on Oct. 27-28 at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee on Oct. 29 at 2 p.m. For those looking to make the evening even more memorable, there’s a chance to shine. Attendees are encouraged to don costumes, with prizes awaiting the best dressed at each show!
For tickets and more details, prospective attendees can visit the ARTx3 Campus website or get in touch with Lindsey Collins.
With a plot written by Pat Cook and backed by The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois, “Three Murders and It’s Only Monday” promises an evening where the chuckles are as suspenseful as the clues, and the conclusion might just be the death of your expectations!