The University of the Virgin Islands is bringing live theater back to campus this weekend with the revival of the UVI Drama Club and its inaugural production, “Murder at Regent Manor.”
The comedic murder mystery, presented with support from UVI’s Reichhold Center for the Arts, will run at 7 p.m. on Friday and Sunday at the Ralph M. Paiewonsky Library on the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas, according to the press release.
“We are excited to bring live theater productions back to UVI and to present our first play, which offers something for everyone,” said Lindsey Trost, UVI senior, actor, and president of the UVI Drama Club.
Trost, a National Student Exchange student from California, helped revive the long-dormant club and worked alongside vice president Jadynn Sibilly to recruit students through meetings and auditions, the press release stated.
Directed by Jonelle-Alexis Jackson, a Virgin Islander with a background in performing arts, the play features a full cast of UVI students:
-
Lindsey Trost as Jayne Mayple, an eccentric amateur sleuth
-
Unique Nibbs as Lady Regent, a wealthy matriarch, and Constable Baker, a trustworthy officer
-
Shaynee Cherival as Hettie Kilburn, a sharp-tongued actress
-
Delisa Rhymer as Millicent Frye, a flighty socialite
-
Sophia Burke as Bunty Brumby, a psychic with a grudge
-
Rowan Weybright as Busby Bexley, a fun-loving gadabout
-
Jadynn Sibilly as Teddy Lathrop, a bossy and stuffy lawyer
-
K’Visha Johnlewis as Needless Meddling, a humorless housekeeper
-
Ryswick Felix Jr. as Meddling, a cynical butler with a past
-
Bevin George as Inspector Morris, a police inspector with hidden motives
-
Jhamori Sargeant as Dr. Gravestone, the local coroner
The story parodies traditional murder mysteries: when Imperia Regent unexpectedly leaves her fortune to a disliked niece, a scream breaks the silence just after midnight. Amateur sleuth Jayne Mayple, seeking shelter from a storm, becomes embroiled in solving the mystery at the eerie Regent Manor, the release stated.
“This production is not only a celebration of creativity and talent but also a testament to the resilience and passion of our students,” said Denise Humphrey, director of the Reichhold Center for the Arts. “We invite the community to come out for an evening of mystery and fun while supporting our students.”
Tickets are available at the door:
-
$20 general admission
-
$10 UVI faculty and staff
-
$5 UVI students with ID
“Murder at Regent Manor” is produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Denver, Colorado, with additional support from the Reichhold Center for the Arts, the release stated.
For more information, email uvidramaclub@gmail.com.
