State Street Theater will present three performances of “A Murder is Announced” at 7 p.m. Friday, April 11, 7p.m. Saturday, April 12 and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 13.

The play, based on the 1950 book of the same name by Agatha Christie, takes place in a fictional sleepy village boarding house in southern England. When residents read in the newspaper that a murder has been advertised to take place at 7 p.m. on Oct. 13 at their boarding house address, they all think it’s a joke — only it’s not.

Amongst the knick-knacks, the Van Gough knock-off, assorted cushioned chairs, wooden globe, drawing desk–and down to the trees in the windows–the very British, very fuchsia walled living room comes to life with the cast of “A Murder is Announced.”

The director, Matthew Loyd, used to watch a lot of British murder mystery shows on PBS and admits to always kinda liking dry humor. Which can be be a little bit of a challenge, when it’s sometimes necessary to explain, as a director, how to get people to deliver dry comedy.

Edmund Swettenham ( played by Elija Bolduan), Phillipa Haymes (played by Ashley Sondag), and Dora (Bunny) Bunner (played by Jennifer Deutz) listening intently as the investigation unfolds

“You might not even realize it’s a joke because it’s so sarcastic,” Loyd said.

This is Loyd’s first time leading a production. Having acted and assistant directed previously, friends encouraged Loyd to try out for the position. He feels he’s doing a good job so far, and the play will be great.

“It’s been fun and interesting, being on the directing side there’s a lot more to it, having to keep everything balanced. There’s a lot of pots on the stove,” said Loyd.

Twelve pots, really, as it is a twelve person cast, composed entirely of volunteers. Balancing having fun, being engaged, and making sure everyone puts in the work to put on a good show has been a top priority.

“The actors have lives, and sometimes not everyone can be at rehearsal that you need to run a scene. I adapt to it. I asked the actors to get off script early, and in a week or so there will be no problems– they will know it down pat,” said Loyd.

Peter Buckley, as Sergeant Mellors, showing off his authentic British custodian’s jacket and helmet.

The cast has been rehearsing since February.

Assistant director, Jennifer Deutz also playing Dora (Bunny) Bunner, had to step in for the actress formerly playing the part of Bunny, and take over her role. Having watched so many rehearsals Deutz knew all her lines, and then some.

“I mumble jokes on set and practice with everyone in breaking character because this is live theater and anything can happen,” said Deutz. “I do not act like this at home, or it would scare my children.”

Andrea Broman, playing Mitzie, has been acting since middle school. When she found out Loyd was directing the play she knew she wanted to audition for it. She also is a fan of the occasional improvisational line.

“Adding like a, what? those type of ad-libs have been fun,” said Broman. “But you can’t change what is written.”

Pictured left to right) Maddie Schreyer, Ashley Sondag, Michael Koester, Elijah Bolduan, Peter Buckley, Kelly Anderson, Andrea Broman, Jennifer Deutz, and Amanda Andrews in “A Murder is Announced” playing the second weekend of April at the State Street Theater.

Deutz agrees because the book is a classic and people might be expecting certain lines.

“All the lines matter because it’s a mystery,” said Deutz.

While the cast is from the local area–Mankato, New Ulm, Sleepy Eye, Springfield, St. Peter, to Morgan–most everyone has adopted a British accent of sorts.

“It took weeks to practice the accent,” said Broman.

“Andrea really does pull off the accent,” said Deutz.

Sometimes the cast had to have rehearsals at Lykke books in town, which Loyd felt was an excellent solution to scheduling conflicts.

“It’s cool to sit down and work with people and through corporation and collaboration make something that I’d like to see. It’s rewarding to work with the actors and see them grow as actors. Some are veterans, some are in their first shows–to see them the grow from audition to where they are now that’s been rewarding,” said Loyd.

In addition to the cast, there’s a hardworking crew– Jennifer Deutz is the Assistant Director, Levi Ellanson is the stage manager, Janese Olson is the producer, Bill Olson did the set design and build, David Apitz is the light technician, August Pekrul is the sound technician.

“We have many volunteers that help with the ushering, concessions, and ticket window. We truly can’t put these events on without them,” said Janese Olson.

Having all of the cast available to try things on for fittings can sometimes be a bit of a challenge, too. Kristina Bergeson is helping with costumes, hair and makeup. Loyd feels she is also doing a good job.

“We’re thankful for her,” said Loyd.

The play features live music by Tom Andrews on the piano for interludes and sound effects during scenes. He and Loyd have been working out the timing to be sure it all runs smoothly for the final performances.

While after the final dress rehearsal, ideally Loyd should not have to direct, he may have to step in and do a different job in case someone needs help like a tech person or stage crew.

“I will have a lot more empathy for the director when I act in a show next,” said Loyd