WTC presents laugh-a-minute comedy ‘Death By Design’

A hilarious whodunnit comedy “Death By Design” comes to the stage next weekend in Whitefish. 

Presented by the Whitefish Theatre Company, the show by Robert  Urbinati is the final performance of the 2023-2024 season.

Inspired by the brilliant wit of Noël Coward and the intricate plotting of Agatha Christie, this laugh-a-minute comedy opens with a sneak preview night on May 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. Performances continue on May 31 and June 1, 6, 7 and 8 at 7:30 p.m. There is one matinee performance on June 2 at 4 p.m. 

 “Death By Design” is a highly entertaining mystery with a twist you will never forget. It’s the 1930s and playwright Edward Bennett and his wife, actress Sorel Bennett, flee London and head to an English country manor in Cookham after a disastrous opening night. But various guests continue to arrive unexpectedly — a conservative politician, a fiery socialist, a nearsighted ingénue, a zany modern dancer — each with a long-held secret. When one of the guests is murdered, it is left to Bridgit, the feisty Irish maid with a macabre interest in homicide, to solve the crime. “Death by Design” is more than an homage — it’s a new classic. 

 ‘“Death by Design” has all the fun and intricate plot elements of a murder mystery within a sophisticated, witty English Country Manor romp — you can see how the author took cues from both Noel Coward and Agatha Christie,” says Director and WTC Artistic Director Kim Krueger. “It’s a wonderful cast with brilliant comic timing. I don’t know if you can laugh too much during the rehearsal process, but we gave it an excellent shot. The cast has really bonded as they were discovering this show, and it comes out in their performances.” 

 Starring in this production are Laura Abernethy as Bridgit, Jesse Nelson as Jack, Malcolm Sharbutt as Edward Bennett, Joy James as Sorel Bennett, Henry Elsen as Walter Pearce, Matt Strool as Eric, Amy Galt as Victoria Van Roth and Emily Pollard as Alice. Continues Krueger, “We hope you have as much fun watching this show as the cast and crew had rehearsing. This cast continued to bring their talent, energy and humor every night to rehearsal. And with the support of our wonderful crew, it feels like a perfect end-of-year send-off into summer.” 

Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $10 for students with reserved seating. Tickets for the sneak preview performance on May 30 are sold only at the door and are $12 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office at 1 Central Avenue in Whitefish or by calling 406-862-5371. Box Office Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before a performance. Individual tickets can also be purchased online at www.whitefishtheatreco.org. This show is sponsored by John and Judy Melin, Trovare, and Kristin Zuckerman with Engel & Völkers.