Oak Creek Actor and Director in "The Butler Did It"

Paul Weir, of Oak Creek, will appear in the role of Detective Chandler Marlowe in the murder mystery/ comedy “The Butler Did It,” opening April 13. The play, written by Tim Kelly, will be produced by Village Playhouse of Wauwatosa, in five performances: Friday and Saturday, April 13, 14, 20, and 21 at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee performance at 2:30 p.m. on April 14.
All performances are at Christ King Church, 2604 N. Swan Boulevard, Wauwatosa, with the entrance on 91st St.
“The Butler Did It” is a spoof on detective mystery dramas like those of Agatha Christie, with an American flavor. The setting is the drawing room of the Ravenswood Manor on Turkey Island, off the coast of San Francisco, where hostess “Miss Maple” invites six detective writers to portray their favorite characters.
In addition to Weir as Chandler Marlowe, other cast members provide parodies of Charlie Chan, Nick and Nora Charles, Sherlock Holmes, and others.
With my character of Chandler Marlowe, I'm using a blend of characters I grew up watching on TV or in the movies -- Sam Spade, Peter Gunn, Maxwell Smart, and Lt. Columbo,” Weir said.
Another Oak Creek resident, Laura LaPinske, is the director of the play. She said, ”I am really enjoying myself with this fun show and talented cast.” She previously directed Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” for VPW, so it’s doubly fun for her to direct “The Butler Did It,” which spoofs such mysteries.
In the play Miss Maple has planned a wide range of events which will appeal to her guests -- a mysterious voice on the radio, a menacing face at the window, and a mad killer on the loose. (All in good fun, she presupposes.) Then a real murder takes place and the search for the culprit is on. The play, suitable for all ages, is “zany fun,” LaPinske says.
Other cast members include: Victoria Heckman – Miss Maple, Judy Lee Tarbox – Haversham, Pamela Stein - Rita Eyelesbarrow, Art Carter – Father White, Robyn Beckley – Laura Carlyle, Tom Wessell – Rick Carlyle, Jaime Jastrab – Peter Flimsey, Sam Shelby – Charity Haze, and Josh Klingman – Louis Fan.
Tickets for all performances are $15 – adults, $13 – students and seniors. For groups of 10 or more, tickets are $12 each, if reserved in advance. For other information about the play or Village Playhouse of Wauwatosa, visit the website: www.villageplayhouse.org. To order tickets, please call Bob at 414-207-4879 or email thebutlerdidit@villageplayhouse.org.