BY ANNA HERKAMP
DANVILLE — Glenda Boling said this year’s fall play is a classic turn-of-the-century Victorian mystery.
The Danville Area Community College instructor said the play will be a good one for audience members who like a little intrigue.
The plot of “Victoria’s House” follows Neil Bannister who tries to poison his wife. A detective then tries to convince Victoria, Bannister’s wife, that Bannister killed his former wife. Victoria and the detective scheme to outsmart Bannister.
Boling said the play is a departure from the college’s usual selection of comedies.
The drama makes “Victoria’s House” a bit tougher on the cast because the audience has to follow every plot twist.
The set will feature a large staircase, Victorian furniture and period costumes.
Shanon Hoag plays Detective Charles Axton.
Although he usually prefers comedies, he’s finding a welcome challenge in his new role.
“It’s a major change from what I’m used to,” he said.
Hoag graduated from Jamaica High School in 2008.
He’s been involved with plays at Jamaica and last year at DACC.
He typically goes for characters he describes as “the funny, raving character.”
“Victoria’s House is easy to follow, he said.
“It all comes together at the end.”
Joe Lewis, also a second-year student at DACC, plays Bannister, the lead.
“He’s very charming,” Lewis said of his character.
While he’s very much in love with his wife, his true colors come out in the course of the play, Lewis said.
“There is a mercurial, insidious side that comes out,” he added.
Lewis says the play will be worth a look.
“It’s a wonderful play of mystery and intrigue that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end.”
Emily Becker, a second-year student, describes her role of Victoria as one with a lot of spirit.
“At the moment, she’s very enamored of Neil,” Becker said.
“She loves to be loved.”
Becker appeared in Danville Light Opera shows when she was younger.
Although the play is a bit more difficult than usual, she’s sure it will be a satisfying experience for the audience.
“I think it will come together,” she said.
The cast also includes: Geordie Lindemann as Stephens; Dixie Sexton as Winnie; Monica Zamora as Mrs. Case; Adrian Dixon, as Margaret St. James; Demond Watson as William Scott; Mallory Buss as Jane Leighton and James Melton as Phillip Drake.
Jordan Carlton is the lightening director, and Brandon Scott is the stage manager. The play is directed by DACC instructors Phillip Langley and Glenda Boling.
COMING UP
The Danville Area Community College acting students will perform Fred Carmichael’s “Victoria’s House,” a murder-mystery play at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the Bremer Conference and Development Center. No admission will be charged, and the play is appropriate for all audiences.
