HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A mix of mystery, comedy and music will take center stage this weekend as Stage 9 Theater presents “Something’s Afoot,” a musical spoof inspired by the classic works of Agatha Christie.
Director Theresa Teufel describes the production as a lighthearted farce that blends familiar elements of Christie-style whodunits with energetic song-and-dance numbers, all set in the English countryside.
“It’s all the things we love about Agatha Christie, with a whole lot of comedy and some great dance numbers and songs,” Teufel said.
The show features a cast of 10 performers — one of the larger ensembles for the intimate Stage 9 venue on South Main Street. While the smaller theater space presents some logistical challenges, Teufel says it ultimately enhances the experience for audiences.
“It’s very intimate, which is great for the audience perspective, because you’re so close to the action,” she said.
The storyline follows a group of guests gathered at a country estate owned by Lord Rancour. The characters include a colonel, a socialite, an amateur sleuth, a young couple, and several household staff — all familiar archetypes for fans of classic mystery tales. Teufel noted that devoted Agatha Christie readers may recognize subtle nods and homages woven throughout the production.
Adding to the intrigue, the show incorporates theatrical effects as characters begin to “meet their demise,” delivering both suspense and humor in equal measure.
Performances run Thursday through Saturday, April 16–18, at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee April 19 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for students, and will be available at the box office prior to each show.
The production runs approximately two hours, including a 15-minute intermission, and features a single, static set — a practical choice for the venue that keeps the action centered in one room of the estate.
Teufel said Stage 9 continues to focus on bringing high-quality, thought-provoking productions to Hutchinson audiences.
“We are a theater that prides itself on expanding horizons and broadening minds, while doing so in a way that affords the highest quality of theater that this area has to offer,” she said.
Looking ahead, Stage 9 will host its popular “Miscast” fundraiser on May 30, followed by its next mainstage production, “Grand Horizons,” scheduled for July.
For now, Teufel encourages the community to enjoy a unique theatrical experience that blends classic mystery with a comedic twist.