The legacy of ‘Something’s Afoot’ continues at Starlight Dinner Theatre

Ten strangers stranded in the English estate of an illustrious lord leads to a series of inexplicable hijinks in “Something’s Afoot," a goofy mystery opening at Starlight Dinner Theatre Friday, Oct. 18.  

 The legacy of the zany, mystery-musical lives on in Lansing community theatre through the friends and family of Judie Town and Winifred Olds, who directed and starred in the show in 1989 with the Lansing Civic Players. Both were active members in the theatre community before they died a few years ago. 

 “Back in the day, Winifred was one of the grand dames,” said Jane Zussman, who played Lady Grace in 1989 and witnessed Old’s memorable rendition as the amateur detective, Miss Tweed.  

During a treacherous thunderstorm, a group of strangers are stranded in the estate of Lord Dudley Rancour. Guests start to go missing, falling victim to inconspicuous traps set up around the home, leaving the remaining members frantic to find the culprit.  

"Afoot" is directed by Kelley Stuible-Clark, with musical direction by Nicole Martin.

The cast includes active members of the theater community, including Colleen Bethea as Lettie, Ty Schalter as Flint, Ben Holzhausen as Nigel Rancour and local videographer Matt Ottinger, who will step out from behind the camera to play Dr. Grayburn. 

 Zussman said this is her fifth experience with the “Afoot.” Her first encounter was in 1978 playing Lettie at the Stage Door in Port Huron. To prepare for her role as the forthright Miss Tweed, Zussman watched a tape recording of Old’s performance from 30 years ago.  

 “She had a type of authority that I want to recreate,” Zussman said. “She was a very good actress and also inspired me as she got older into her 80s and was still active. She always had a positive, can-do attitude and energy.” 

Town directed the 1989 play, as well as “Guys and Dolls,” which Starlight will stage next spring in her honor.  

 “She was very open to new people who hadn’t been in ‘Civic Players’ before. She was one of those theater stalwarts,” recalled Zussman. 

Town’s family will attend the show on Oct. 25, which would’ve been her 82nd birthday. Oct. 27, Old’s family will attend a matinee show where her grandson, Dan MacLachlan, will perform tunes off his most recent album “Songs from the Porch.” 

 “My grandmother definitely had an influence on me as far as my interest in theatre and performing arts,” MacLachlan said. “She has a huge presence in all of our lives and was a huge source of pride and inspiration.” 

“Something’s Afoot” 

Oct. 18-19, Oct. 25-27 

All ages welcome

$39 show and dinner, $20 show only 

Waverly East Intermediate School 

3131 W. Michigan Ave. 

(517) 599-2779 

Starlight.reservation@gmail.com 

For senior and student ticket prices and more can be found at starlightdinnertheatre.com