The January play reading selection for the Alice Lind Play Reading Society at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 will be the classic courtroom drama, Witness for the Prosecution. The reading will be held at the Lind House located at 622 Center Street, New Ulm.
Witness for the Prosecution is a play adapted by Agatha Christie based upon her short story titled “The Witness for the Prosecution”. The play opened in London on 28 October 1953 at the Winter Garden Theatre.
The plot centers on the arrest of Leonard Vole for the murder of a wealthy older widow, named Emily French. Since Mrs. French made him her principal heir, not aware that he was a married man, things look bad for Leonard’s defense. But the final blow comes when his wife, Romaine, agrees to testify, not in Leonard’s defense, but as a witness for the prosecution. Through a complicated and elaborate plan, Romaine was in fact working to free her husband all along. By first giving the prosecution its strongest evidence and then arranging for new evidence to come to light that discredits her testimony, it is more likely that Leonard will be acquitted than if she was simply a defense witness. There is a shocking twist at the end.
Admission is $5.00. Reservations must be made as there are a limited number of scripts available. Call (507) 359-9990 and leave a message that you plan to attend. You will only be called if there are no more spaces available. Refreshments will be served.
Volunteers will be asked to read parts throughout the evening. Depending on attendance, the leading roles may be read by several people for each act or scene. Persons attending do not have to read or may request smaller roles to read. Suggestions from the public for future plays are strongly encouraged.
Contact Paul Warshauer at (507) 359-9990. The complete list for the rest of the year can be found at www.newulmact.com or a copy of the season will be sent via US mail if requested.
The Society meets on the second Tuesday of each month and is dedicated to the idea that reading and listening to plays allows the participants to understand the words and themes of the author more clearly than in some performances. The series is named after the former Governor’s wife, Alice Lind, a supporter of social causes and literacy. To make reservations, please leave a name and phone number on the voice mail at the NUACT office phone (507) 359-9990 along with how many will be in your party. For more information about the play reading options, go to www.newulmact.com or contact Paul Warshauer (507) 359-9990. For more information about the Lind House, please contact Trudy Beranek at (507) 354-8802.