Bob and Julie Thick are celebrating the Off-Broadstreet Theater’s 29th anniversary with Curtains, a musical comedy whodunnit at their Dessert Theatre starting July 5. Dessert — including an old-fashioned strawberry shortcake made with biscuits and fresh berries — plus unlimited fruit salad and coffee or tea pair up with a light musical for a perfect summer evening or afternoon.
The curtain goes up in Boston on a pre-Broadway production. As they sing their closing number Jessica Cranshaw, the star with top billing but little talent, suddenly collapses. Her death is quickly labeled a homicide by Boston Detective Cioffi, a theatre enthusiast himself, as he is called upon to solve the case. Cioffi finds his hands full as the whole cast are deemed suspects. Twists and turns uncover more mayhem as another murder is soon witnessed at this theatre.
Jim Petro of Hamilton stars as Detective Frank Cioffi, while Diana Cooper, also of Hamilton, plays Bambi. The OBT veteran has previously portrayed Nathan Detroit in the production of Guys & Dolls. Playing the role of our faded star is Nikki Milbrod of East Brunswick. Charlie Leeder of Trenton plays the show’s stage manager, Johnny. Cindy Chait of West Windsor returns to the OBT stage after a 20-year hiatus to play the brassy Carmen. Joe Sherbin, also of West Windsor, plays Christopher Belling. Lawrenceville’s Barry Abramowitz plays Sidney. Arden Walker and Jennifer Davis, both Bordentown residents, appear as ensemble members. John Bergeron and Jordan Schnoor of Pennington appear as Aaron and an esemble member, respectively. Samantha Ferrara of Bernardsville makes her OBT debut as the love-struck Niki. Show backer Oscar is played by OBT veteran Steve Murin of Hillsborough. Melissa Rittmann of South Jersey returns to OBT as Georgia. Alexander Kass of Connecticut appears as Bobby, the show’s choreographer. James Collins of Sicklerville appears as the Boston Globe theatre critic Daryl Grady. Sean Magnacca of North Brunswick is an ensemble member.
OBT Artistic Director Robert Thick is directing the large cast musical while Julie Thick has provided the choreography. Ed McCall of Hopewell is musical director and will be at the piano as the live orchestra plays for each performance. Ritzy Costumes provides clothing.
Curtains plays weekends July 5 through August 10. Doors open at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings for dessert and an 8 p.m. show. On Sunday, doors open at 1:30 p.m., and the show starts at 2:30. Admission Friday and Sunday is $29.50, Saturday is $31.50. There is a senior rate of $27.00 for Sunday matinees only. Special rate for this show only: Children 12 and under $15.00. All prices include dessert and show. For reservations contact the Off-Broadstreet Theat re at 5 South Greenwood Ave., Hopewell, NJ. Call: (609) 466-2766. On the web: off-broadstreet.com.
