Die laughing with River City Players' production of "When the Reaper Calls"

Fall brings cooler weather, the changing of the leaves and an influx of creepy decorations. It also brings a new production by the River City Players Community Theater Group, and this year it goes with the season.

"I wondered what was out there that set around Halloween, but would be a really entertaining production," River City Players president Debbie Barnhouse said. The comedy-thriller "When the Reaper Calls" fit the bill.

"Our crowd really seems to enjoy comedy. With this being a comedy-thriller with an appearance by the reaper, I really thought it would set into the season," Barnhouse said.

"When the Reaper Calls" is a comedy-thriller surrounding two philosophy professors. The story unfolds to show murder, deceit and philosophy, with arguments about life, love and life beyond the grave. It has a cast of five, one set and a few unexpected twists.

Melissa Wade, who Barnhouse refers to as "new blood to the theater" because this will be her first time on stage, plays the "Barney Fife" role of Officer McGuire. Wade said the play has one of those surprise endings you're never expecting.

As suspenseful as the play may be, Wade said it's still full of humor.

"There are still points in practice that we start laughing so hard we have to stop," Wade said.

In addition to the comedic value, the audience should appreciate the lesson of the story.

"There is a good life lesson in this play, so I think when our audience leaves, they'll have something to ponder," Barnhouse said.

"When the Reaper Calls" was written by Peter Colley. Barnhouse said she has communicated with him via e-mail. "I could e-mail him and ask questions and he has been quite the accommodating author of such a production."

"When the Reaper Calls" will be performed Sept. 12, 13 and 18, 19 and 20 at the River City Yacht Club. All of the shows, except Sept. 18, are dinner shows. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., a buffet dinner is served at 7 and the play begins at 8. Tickets for the dinner show are $25.

The show-only performance starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $10. Call 334-0954 to make reservations.