THE MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF 1940

From murders to trap doors and secret passageways, there’s something for every mystery fan to enjoy this weekend as the theatre department returns to Ethington Theatre for its first play of the season, “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940.” “The thing to take away is that we wanted to have the most fun to welcome people back into the theatre,” director Michael Kary said.

Dalton Smith spent three semesters trying to make his original major work for him — and his father. But halfway into his sophomore year, he found himself longing to go into theatre. Now, starting his junior year as a Theatre Ars and Drama major, Smith can be found in the College of Fine Arts and Production’s scene shop or onstage in Ethington Theatre’s production of “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940,” which debuts Friday, Sept. 3. “I chose theatre arts because it’s what I wanted to do and it was like ‘if I’m going to go for this acting thing, I might as well put all my cards on the tablet,’” he said.

It’s a season of celebration as College of Fine Arts and Production performances make their grand return to Ethington Theatre. Audiences will be welcomed back with an array of musicals, comedies and dramas as well as the return of indoor dance concerts. “I think it’s going to be just a really enjoyable season,” COFAP Assistant Dean of Theatre and Dance William Symington said. “I can’t wait to get back in the theatre and feel that energy between the cast and the audience.”