The curtains are about to rise on a thrilling new chapter in Rigby's cultural scene! This weekend, the brand-new Stage Door Repertory Theatre will debut with a bang, presenting the hilarious musical 'Something's Afoot'. But this isn't just any ordinary show; it's a satirical masterpiece that takes a playful jab at the iconic Agatha Christie mysteries, all while paying homage to the music of 1930s England.
A Cast of Colorful Characters:
The production boasts a talented cast, each member embodying a unique, humorous twist on classic mystery archetypes. Alicia Gabrielsen shines as the sassy maid Lettie, while Todd Kelson plays the butler Clive. Liberty Miller graces the stage as the ingenue Hope Langdon, and Graeme Allen takes on the role of Dr. Grayburn. Thomas Bugg portrays the dissolute nephew, Nigel Rancour, and Matthew Gardner steps into the boots of Colonel Gillweather, the old Army man. Kaatia Larsen commands attention as the grand dame Lady Grace Manley-Prowe, and Phylicia Fife brings Miss Tweed, the amateur detective, to life. Sebastian Doren plays Geoffrey, the juvenile, and the theater's owner, Nick Charles, takes on the role of Flint, the caretaker.
A Theater Owner's Passion:
Nick Charles is no stranger to the stage, having caught the acting bug in high school and never letting go. He and his wife, Julie, previously owned a theater in Anaheim, California, also named Stage Door Repertory Theatre, which they ran successfully for 11 years. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic forced its closure, prompting their move to Idaho, a place they had grown to love during their summer vacations.
A New Beginning in Idaho:
Nick's talent couldn't be contained, and he quickly became a fixture in east Idaho's theater scene. In 2023, he joined the inaugural show at Center Stage Theatre in Idaho Falls, playing Pharaoh in 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'. His performance was so captivating that Julie had to fly in to see it before their move was even complete! Nick's reputation grew, and he was soon recruited to reprise his role at the Playmill Theatre in Wyoming.
A Theater Reborn:
With the support of his fellow theater owners and friends, Nick was destined to reopen his own theater. He and Justin Dabell, owner of Center Stage, have become close allies, sharing resources and encouragement. While their theaters share some similarities, such as their industrial-style locations, they also have distinct differences. Center Stage seats 250 and caters to family-friendly shows, while Stage Door offers a more intimate 70-seat setting and aims to produce a mix of family shows and edgier productions.
A Season of Laughter and Intrigue:
Nick is eager to explore new horizons, stating that he's done with the typical family favorites and is ready to bring something different to the stage. This June, the theater will present 'Noises Off', a hilarious comedy-within-a-comedy that reveals the chaotic backstage antics of a struggling production. Additionally, Stage Door has announced plans for 'Nunsense', 'Nunsense A-Men' (a gender-swapped version), and 'A Christmas Story' in 2026.
Don't Miss the Premiere:
'Something's Afoot' is set to premiere on Friday, January 23rd, at 7:30 p.m., with performances running Thursdays through Saturdays until February 14th. A matinee performance is scheduled for Saturday, February 7th, at 2 p.m. Tickets are available on the theater's website, where you can also find information about future shows and auditions. And here's a fun fact: Nick has played the role of Flint eight times before, proving his dedication to the craft and his love for this timeless character.
And there you have it! A new theater, a fresh take on mysteries, and a season of laughter await you in Rigby. Will you be part of this exciting journey? The controversy lies in whether audiences will embrace these edgier productions or long for the familiar. What's your take? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
