The GhostLight Theatre Presents “THE MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF THE 1940s”
The GhostLight Theatre’s
Young Apprentice Training Program presents the comic farce
“THE MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF THE 1940s”
July 16th – July 19th – directed by Jodie Wilson
The GhostLight Theatre’s July 2026 production “THE MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF THE 1940S” is a comedic murder mystery written by John Bishop. It is a spoof of 1940s “old dark house” thrillers, where the creative team of a Broadway flop gathers for a backer’s audition at a mansion, only for the notorious “Stage Door Slasher” to reappear and start killing them off. This behavior (of course) leads to farcical mayhem with secret passages, a blizzard, and a bumbling detective! The play is known for it’s witty dialogue, plot twists, satire of show business, and features a cast of eccentric characters and a mystery that keeps the audience guessing until the end.
“THE MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF THE 1940S” runs only one weekend from Thursday, July 16th through Sunday, July 19th at the GhostLight’s black box space in the Arts District of Benton Harbor. This production is suitable for all ages, and the run time is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes with one (1) 15-minute intermission. The play is stage directed by Jodie Wilson, with production management by Quinn Tabbert, set design by Andy Sawyer, costume design by Megan Myers, technical design by Collin Wagner, with assistant direction by YAP graduate Liv Abram, Stage Combat & Intimacy set by Jay Donley, Wigmaster is GarryLee McCormick, and Stage Management by Kyle McAndrew and Elio Postelli and Vel Gearhart.
The cast of “THE MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF THE 1940S” includes young apprentices: Amelia Lifferth as Elsa Von Grossenknueten, Nick Gates as Michael Kelly, Jorin Tabbert as Patrick O’Reilly, Percy Wielenga as Ken De La Maize, Ace Waters as Helsa Wenzel, Levi Troge as Eddie McCuen, Langley Tude Thuot as Bernica Roth, Marie W. as Nikki Crandall, Michael Blocker as Marjorie Baverstock, and Andre Palmer as Roger Hopewell.
“This year we’ve put more responsibility in the hands of the young apprentices themselves starting by asking them to consider and then choose the show that we, as a Program would ultimately produce,” says director Jodie Wilson. “I am so proud of all of the time and effort that each of the youth as well as production team has invested in this production. Over the past few years it has been fun watching the continued growth and development of Young Apprentice Program (YAP) and it’s participants.”
Production Manager Quinn Tabbert also adds: “I have been impressed with these actors from day 1. My appreciation of their talent and kindness towards one another has only grown throughout the rehearsal process. I applaud Jodie as the director of the YAP program for taking on such an ambitious show. She has set the bar high and this cast delivered. It has been my privilege to watch this wacky, fun, hilarious show come together. I can’t wait for audiences to come share in the fun.”
Doors will open at 7:00 on weeknights and 2:30 pm on Sunday/ General admission theatre tickets range from $20-$32 and 2-person VIP tables are also available in limited quantity for $85 total.
Tickets can be purchased at https://www.ghostlightbh.com/currentseason
Season Sponsors include Timothy’s Restaurant, Chicago Records Management, and On Base Productions, Forte Coffee & Bread+Bar.
In addition to The Musical Comedy Murders of the 1940s , The GhostLight Theatre mainstage season will consist of four (4) additional 2026 mainstage productions:
• Little Shop of Horros – the musical – directed by Lari Lawrence-Gist - August 13-30
• What The Constitution Means to Me– a co-production play with the University of Notre Dame– directed by Matthew Hawkins - September 18-27
• One Party Consent – a **2026 Jeff Award winning play by Omer Abbas Salem – directed by Steppenwolf Theatre Ensemble member Caroline Neff - October 15-25
• Avenue Q – the musical by Jeff Marx & Bobby Lopez– directed by Paige Mulick- December 3-13
Show Sponsorship information is available at: https://www.ghostlightbh.com/support
For more information, visit: www.ghostlightbh.com or email info@ghostlightbh.com
The GhostLight Theatre, an innovative playhouse with a mission to enlighten, inspire,
and illuminate Benton Harbor and the surrounding region,
is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
101 Hinkley Street, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
GhostLightBH.com 269-252-5222
