Comedy, Murder Mystery Next Up on Cockpit in Court Stage

A musical comedy about the consequences of youthful indiscretions and an Agatha Christie murder mystery are the next offerings in Cockpit in Court Summer Theatre's 41st season.

The theater is in residence at The Community College of Baltimore County, Essex campus.

"Me and My Girl," the musical comedy, will run from July 19 to Aug. 4.

The plot revolves around the late Viscount Hareford, who produced a son while in a youthful, unfortunate marriage, according to a statement from the theater. When the Viscount dies, the legitimate heir to his estate is found, which kicks off a storyline of the "invasion" of the heir, his girlfriend and "mates" when they descend upon Hareford Hall.

Featured roles include Kevin Connell Muth of Towson as Bill, Julie Parrish of Abingdon as Sally, Judi Milgram of Nottingham as the Duchess, Amy Agnese of Baltimore as Jaquie, Patrick Martyn of Baltimore as Gerald, Jeff Burch of Pikesville as Parchester, Kristen Cooley of Baltimore as Lady Battersley, Chip Meister of Parkville as Lord Battersley, Lou Ghitman of Pikesville as Hethersett, and James Hunnicutt of Nottingham as Sir John.

Supporting roles are performed by: Will Poxon of Annapolis, Jennifer Viets of Arbutus, Amanda Dickson, Jackie Duff, Amy Greco, Jim Knost, Emily Morgan, Paula Montrie, Kate Procell and Jake Stuart of Baltimore, Ashlyn Thompson of Dundalk, James Ruth of Essex, Ricky Blaha of Glen Burnie, Laura Donnelly of Gwynn Oak, Tom Gardiner of Joppa, Lauren Everd and Julie Foley of Nottingham, Quae Simpson of Parkville and Jim Gerhardt of Reisterstown. 

"Me and My Girl," set for the Mainstage theater in the College Community Center (formerly B Building), is directed by Tom Wyatt.

The show will be performed at 8 p.m. July 19-20, 26-27 and Aug. 1-3, and at 3 p.m. July 21 and 28 and Aug. 4.

Tickets cost $20 for adults, $18 for senior citizens 60 and older and $12 for children 12 and younger.

Miss Marple will put her sleuthing skills to the test again in "A Murder is Announced," set for the Cabaret Theater in the College Community Center.

The plot revolves around a newspaper ad that announces the time that a murder will take place at the Victorian home of Miss Blacklock. The victim is not one of the residents of the house but an unexpected and unknown visitor.

"What follows is a classic Christie puzzle of mixed motives, concealed identities, a second death and a determined inspector grimly following the twists and turns," theater officials wrote in a statement. "Miss Marple is on hand to provide the final solution at some risk to herself."

Heidi Toll of Baltimore stars as Miss Marple with Marc Rehr of Ellicott City as Inspector Craddock. Other featured players include:  Janise Whelan of Baltimore (Letitia Blacklock), Ruth Douglas Smith of Baltimore (Mrs. Swettenham), Emil Sueck of Monkton (Edmund Swettenham), Megan Farber of Owings Mills (Julie Simmons), Jordan Friend of Chevy Chase (Patrick Simmons), Neena Boyle of Philadelphia, PA (Phillipa Haymes), Mike Barton of Perryville (Rudi Scherz/Sgt. Mellors), Ilana Hirshhorn of Woodlawn (Mitzi), and Mickey Mullany of Owings Mills (Dora “Bunny” Bunner).

The show is directed by Sherrionne Brown, with stage management by Stephy Miller. James J. Fasching is the costume designer, Michael Rasinki did the lighting design and Kate Gage is the technical director.

Performances will be held at 8 p.m. July 20, 26 and 27 and Aug. 2-3, and at 3 p.m. July 21 and 28 and Aug. 4.

Tickets cost $16 for adults and $14 for senior citizens 60 and older.

For ticket information about either production, call the CCBC Box Office, 443-840-2787.