Theater Murder Mystery Led by New Duo

by Jonathan Weaver

Next weekend’s annual Armstrong Community Theater dinner show will be led by two former high school thespians returning to the stage for the first time.

In the two-act murder mystery “Death by Chocolate,” Kittanning resident Ryan Frazier will play private eye ‘Nick Noir’ – a bumbling detective hired to investigate the death of Vinny the Leech, who died suddenly while drinking Precious Perks Coffee Shoppe’s signature drink: Death by Chocolate.

A 2005 Ford City graduate, Frazier auditioned for a smaller role but said he channeled his inner-Humphrey Bogart when Director Emily Younkins asked him to read for ‘Noir.’

“The day I moved back, they had the auditions. I saw it on Facebook, and just came down,” Frazier said. “I was in most of the musicals when I was in school, but in general, I was just a background player. I’ve never had any speaking parts.

“I’ve always wanted to audition for these things, but I used to drive to the auditions, sit in my car, get super nervous and just go right home. This time, I just decided to actually come in.”

For help with his 375 lines, Frazier turned to his on-stage secretary – Ford City High thespian-native Caitlin Welton - before rehearsal.

Little did he know Welton – of Worthington - will also debut on the local community theatre circuit next weekend.

Welton achieved a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Clarion University in 2005, but hasn’t performed since her senior project.

“I’ve been missing it for a really long time. I’ve wanted to audition for a few years, but I just didn’t have the time,” Welton said. “I’m so excited about this show and so excited to get back into it again.”

Welton’s character ‘Selma’ also coaches ‘Nick Noir’ along during the case.

Welton said she is proud of the work Frazier has done to prepare for the role.

“All my scenes are basically with him anyway, so I was helping him out a little bit,” Welton said. “He’s really doing a great job.”

Welton’s husband Justin, three-year-old son Connor and one-year-old daughter Alanna will attend the performance.

Cathlynn Bowser, of Kittanning, has acted with Armstrong before, but her role as the coffee shoppe’s ditzy co-owner ‘Coco Purvis’ will be her dinner theatre debut. She was persuaded by Younkins to audition.

Bowser said Frazier and Welton “do a fantastic job.”

Bowser was also on the Ford City High stage with Welton.

Younkins was glad Frazier and Welton came to be part of the Armstrong Community Theater family.

“They’ve been a lot of fun to work with, so I hope they come back,” Younkins said.

Christine Lamanna, of Vandergrift, has acted at the Casino Theatre, at St. Joseph High School in Natrona Heights, and with Armstrong Community Theatre, but will be co-director next weekend.

She said her on-stage and backstage experience, as well as acting at regional Halloween haunted houses, helped her ease into directing.

Frazier was thankful for all the experience around him.

“Emily and Christine have done a fantastic job directing and co-directing, respectively, and the seasoned vets in the cast have really opened their arms to me, showed me the ropes and have been patient with me,” Frazier said. “I’m looking forward to my debut and hopefully I do a good enough job that they’ll let me stick around.”

Cousin (and next door neighbor) Mackenzie Sweeney also performs with Armstrong Community Theater.

Tickets for April 22, 23 or 24th’s show at the Worthington Civic Center are $20 and available at Quality Inn Royle in West Kittanning or the Worthington Community Library. Interested diners can also request tickets by calling the theater at 724-297-8223 to arrange ticket purchases with Younkins.

Market on Reynolds in Kittanning will cater the meal – which will include Death by Chocolate if audiences are brave enough.