PCHS Concludes Theatre Season with “A Murder Is Announced”

Pella Christian High School's Theatre Troupe will conclude their 2025-2026 season, with one of Agatha Christie’s classic murder mysteries, A Murder is Announced, this Friday and Saturday, March 27 and 28.  Both performances will begin at 7:00 pm in the Vermeer Auditorium at Pella Christian High School, 300 Eagle Lane.  Reserve Tickets are $8 for Adults and $6 for students and are available online at pceagles.org  Tickets sold at the door will be $2 more.
Concealed identities, desperation, mixed motives, and another death can all be found before the true identity of the murderer is uncovered.  An announcement in the local paper states the time and place when a murder is to occur in Miss Blacklock's Victorian house.  As her lodgers and curious visitors begin to arrive, tensions mount and when the clock strikes the appointed hour, lights go out, a door swings open, and shots are fired.  With the arrival of Inspector Craddock, a murder investigation begins. Somewhat to his frustration, he is joined by amateur sleuth Miss Marple, who is always one step ahead.  The play premiered in 1977 and features a fast-paced, suspenseful plot that is highly engaging for all fans of traditional mysteries.

"It’s a delicate balance of wit and suspense,” said the show’s director Marlo Van Peursem. “We want the audience to laugh one minute and gasp the next.  It should be a fun evening." 

Emma De Boef plays Miss Marple with Ben Spronk and Jenna Vande Zande playing Letty Blacklock and Inspector Craddock.  Ella Hodgell plays Bunny and Anniston Meyer plays Mitzi.

Lodgers at “Little Paddocks” include Bella De Haan as Julia, Ely Cadwell as Patrick and Lucy Belzer as Phillipa with neighbors Mrs. Swettenham and her son being played by Tori Van Zee and Finn Spronk.  Assisting Craddock are Sergeants Mellors and Montgomery, played by Elliot Ochsner and Oliver Newman with Miles Lamb playing Rudi Scherz.

Students in leadership positions include Kenzie Kanis (Student Directors), Ellie Johnson (Dramaturg), Ethan Tukker (Production Coordinator), Jacob Harman  (Sound), Hope Rozenboom (Props) and Morgan Sheredy (Painting).

 The production is being directed by Marlo Van Peursem with Tech direction by Daryl Van Zee.