Musical mystery 'Curtains' coming to Hudson Players stage

Hudson Players will stage the musical mystery "Curtains" starting Feb. 2.

It is the brainchild of the same creative minds behind the legendary "Cabaret" and "Chicago," with the book by Rupert Holmes, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and music by John Kander. Additional lyrics are by Kander and Holmes.

When the leading lady of a theater meets an untimely demise, suspicion falls upon everyone within the grand walls of the playhouse. Enter the quick-witted detective Frank Cioffi, a man with a passion for both crime-solving and show tunes. With his keen eye for clues and a penchant for tap-dancing, Cioffi navigates the intricate world of backstage secrets and onstage dramas.

Shows include 2 p.m. Sunday matinees on Feb. 11 and 18, and 8 p.m. showings on Feb. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24.

Hudson Players shows are staged at the Barlow Community Center in Hudson, on 41 S. Oviatt St. For details and tickets, call the box office at 330-655-8522, email info@HudsonPlayers.com or visit hudsonplayers.com.

Actors needed for musical 'Pump Boys and Dinettes'

Hudson Players will have auditions for the musical "Pump Boys and Dinettes" on Feb. 4 and 5 starting at 7 p.m.

The musical, which will be directed by Jay Sigler and with Tom Work as music director, will be staged April 26 through May 18 on Fridays and Saturdays, with two Sunday matinees on May 5 and 12.

The "Pump Boys" are a quartet of petrol-pumping, song-swapping good ol' boys who keep the wheels turning on Highway 57. When they're not busy filling up the tank, they're strumming their guitars and harmonizing their voices to a lively mix of country, rock, and pop tunes. Next door to the Pump Boys' gas station is the Double Cupp diner, where the Cupp sisters, Prudie and Rhetta, dish up comfort food and smiles.

Those wishing to audition should bring sheet music for the accompanist and prepare at least a 16-bar audition song. Auditions may also include a movement exercise and reading from the script. All roles are available.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Musical mystery 'Curtains' opens in February at Hudson Players