"The Butler Did It"

March 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Minstrel Players Announce Spring Production

The Minstrel Players Theater Company, Long Island's most enthusiastic theatrical new voice, prepares for their third performance at their new home -the Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 Main Street in scenic Northport Village. They are following their highly acclaimed staging of "Barefoot in the Park" this past January. Next up for the Minstrels is Tim Kelly's hilarious murder-mystery/comedy, "The Butler Did It". This Spring production will run Saturdays, May 4th, 11th and 18th at 8:00 P.M. and Sundays, May 5th, 12th and 19th at 3:00 P.M.

"The Butler Did It" is directed by Minstrel founding member, Ray Palen, and features a cast of old and new faces to the Minstrel family. The cast for this comic romp includes: Rosann Baldanza (Sr. White), John Anthony Casale (Rick Carlyle), Sandra Lee Clark (Rita Eyelesbarrow), Peter Guarascio (Louie Fan), LeAnn Levi Miller (Haversham), Karen Palen-Ottomano (Miss Maple), Ray Palen (Peter Flimsey), Tara Palen (Charity Haze), Leslie Spera (Laura Carlyle) and Kevin Vincent (Chandler Marlowe). Keeping everyone in line is the Assistant Director/House Manager and co-founding member, Debbie Palen. Ray and Debbie Palen are Northport residents and are very excited at the opportunity to bring quality theater to the Northport area. 

"The Butler Did It" features characterizations of some of the most famous fictional detectives of all time: Charlie Chan, Peter Wimsey, Sam Spade, Nick and Nora Charles, among others. The eccentric Miss Maple invites the authors to Ravenswood Manor (located off the coast of San Francisco on Turkey Island) for a weekend of murder-mystery games. Miss Maple insists that the authors all spend the weekend as their "fictional creations". Throw in a wicked thunderstorm and an actual murder and you have the makings for a wild weekend! The show has many twists and turns and keeps the audience guessing in the manner of a classic who-done-it.

The Minstrel Players are committed to bringing high quality, affordable theater to the Long Island Region. Tickets are $12.00 each and $10.00 for Seniors (Sunday performances only). There will be a special price of $10 for all seats on Opening Night. For more information please call (631)754-4246. You can also visit the Minstrel Player's official website at www.minstrelplayers.org, for more information about the group. Hope to see you at the show!
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April 2002