“All The Better To Kill You With” Cast Announcement
The Tillamook Association for the Performing Arts (TAPA), and sponsor Tillamook PUD, are excited to announce the cast for TAPA’s summer play All the Better to Kill You With.
Back row (l to r): Robert Buckingham, Garrick Gordon, Richard Coon, Chris Chiola
Front row (l to r): Rikki Reid, Anita O’Hagan, Holly Dickson
Written by Fred Carmichael and directed by Brett Duer, All the Better to Kill You With, is not just another love triangle that causes another murder. This is a classic whodunit with the exciting twist of the audience not only getting to see “whodunit”, but also how the whole thing is planned and carried out. We see the clever interweaving
of truth and falsehood that produces a tapestry of tension and thrills while meticulously blending mystery and humor. The carefully planned deception almost works until truth rears its head and the brilliant structure of cunning topples to the ground. The question is not necessarily “whodunit,” so to speak, but rather will the murderer be found out. The result is high tension and good dramatic excitement along with brilliant comic relief.
of truth and falsehood that produces a tapestry of tension and thrills while meticulously blending mystery and humor. The carefully planned deception almost works until truth rears its head and the brilliant structure of cunning topples to the ground. The question is not necessarily “whodunit,” so to speak, but rather will the murderer be found out. The result is high tension and good dramatic excitement along with brilliant comic relief.
This production not only brings veteran TAPA directors Richard Coon, Chris Chiola, and Robert Buckingham, back on the stage as actors, but also offers a chance for first-time timers as well. TAPA veteran Brett Duer is at the Director helm for the first time, although he’s acted in several plays at TAPA in recent years. Duer commented, “After performing at TAPA for several years, I am excited to get into the director’s chair. TAPA is true to Community Theater in the sense that they welcome anyone who is willing to dedicate their time and talents to the performing arts. I hope to bring new ideas to TAPA with my background in film and cinematography. This play has a lot of dark notes to it with a reminiscing feel that of TAPA’s 2012 production, Wait Until Dark. I wanted to capture another side of the 1960’s in regards to style and the gender roles of that era. It wasn’t all peace and love. I am very excited to have so many talented actors in one production. Many of them have deep roots with TAPA and have been acting, directing and producing for many years. I am also excited to have, Anita, a new comer in the cast. She brings lots of enthusiasm and energy to the stage. The cast members are all hard-working actors and bring their own unique talents to the team. They have great chemistry on stage which makes this production rich in character and storytelling.” Anita O’Hagan, who plays the well-intentioned and often outspoken Evelyn Hopkins says, “Being in a play has been on my bucket list for years. I was at the right place at the right time and was able to audition. Never in a million years would I have thought I would actually receive a part. I am having a blast and love every single minute of it, plus I can now cross this off my bucket list!”
Included in the cast is TAPA Board President Chris Chiola, who plays the wildly cunning Doug Travers. Rikki Reid made her acting debut this year in TAPA’s Dead Ringer and is playing Erica Travers, Doug’s charming and trusting wife. However, the newlywed couple is not without their own secrets and lies. Robert Buckingham plays Russell Livingston, the suave and handsome ex-boyfriend of Erica, who is suspected of trying to rekindle the old romance. Holly Dickson plays Doug’s sister Paula, who wants to escape her checkered past but seems to always find herself stuck in a downward spiral. Rounding out the cast are Chief Inspector Henderson played by TAPA veteran Richard Coon, and Sergeant Roger Parkins played by Garrick Gordon. While the Chief Inspector is the straight faced and straight laced law enforcement veteran, Sergeant Parkins is on his first murder case and looks on with a childlike amazement and enthusiasm. Their Abbott & Costello-like chemistry is both intense and hilarious.
All The Better to Kill You With runs August 14th through August 29th with an Opening Night Gala celebration that includes complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a beverage of choice with the purchase of each ticket for opening night, August 14th. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:00 pm and Sunday matinees begin at 2:00 pm. Doors open one half hour prior to curtain.
Tickets for this production will be on sale July 14th. As always, reserved seating is available through Diamond Art Jewelers located at 307 Main Street in Tillamook, call (503) 842-7940 for reservations. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and those over 65. For more information, email info@tillamooktheater.com or find us on Facebook.
Celebrating 35 years in Tillamook, TAPA is a non-profit community theater dedicated to providing high quality performing arts experiences through entertainment, education, and community participation. TAPA’s Barn Community Playhouse is located at 1204 Ivy Street, on the corner of 12th and Ivy one block west of Hwy 101.
