Bethpage High School’s Masquers’ Guild is thrilled to present their fall production, “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” by John Bishop. This hilarious and suspenseful comedy is a tribute to 1940s mystery movies, inspired by classics such as “The Cat and the Canary.” Packed with plot twists, quirky characters and a dose of farcical fun, the play promises an entertaining night of whodunit theatrics.
Set in December 1940, the story unfolds in a mysterious mansion. The play begins with an eerie twist—Elsa Von Grossenknueten’s maid, Helsa, is murdered by a masked figure. Unaware of the crime, Elsa and a detective, Michelle Kelly, set the stage for intrigue. As guests arrive for a backer’s audition for a new musical, the group soon realizes they share a sinister connection: their previous collaboration, “Manhattan Holiday”, was marred by the unsolved murders of three women by the notorious “Stage Door Slasher.”
The eccentric cast of characters includes an Irish tenor, a flamboyant director, a charming young performer, and a nervous comedian, all brought to life by the talented students of the Masquers’ Guild. With secret passageways, a power outage, coded notebooks, and escalating mayhem, the story spirals toward an unexpected and laugh-out-loud conclusion as the identity of the Stage Door Slasher is finally revealed.
Performances will take place in the Bethpage High School auditorium from November 22 to 24. Tickets are available online at BethpageHS.BookTix.com.
This production is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Bethpage students, both on stage and behind the scenes. Under the direction of Mr. Zachary Levy, the Masquers’ Guild has put in countless hours to bring this classic comedy to life. Don’t miss your chance to see this engaging mix of mystery and mirth—it’s a perfect way to kick off the holiday season!
