R-ACT Theatre's 'Murder on the Mesa,' a wild West whodunit unravels in Rochester

ROCHESTER ― Dust off your cowboy hats and spurs, because R-ACT Theatre Productions is bringing the Wild West to life with its latest production, "Murder on the Mesa."

Written and directed by Larry Spinnenweber, this interactive murder mystery promises an evening of laughs and a chance to interrogate the suspects.

The play will be staged at the Segriff Stage at 134 Brighton Ave, Rochester on May 10, 11, 17, and 18. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m., with a matinee performance at 2 on May 12. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.

Spinnenweber, of Patterson Township, reflects on the significance of the Western genre, stating, "From novels to movies to television, the western has become a part of American culture. It was fun to write and stage this comic homage to that genre."

Set in the rugged terrain of the 1880s Arizona Territory, "Murder on the Mesa" unfolds in the town of Whiskey Flats, where Cattleman Hank Trent is poised to take control of the town until he's fatally shot in the back. With time ticking away, Sheriff Tom Cooper must unravel the mystery before high noon and he needs the audience's help interrogating a colorful cast of characters to find the murderer.

Newcomer Tom Abbott of Mars portrays the ill-fated Hank Trent, describing him as the classic Western antagonist.

"It’s a pretty easy role for me as I have played bad guys before," Abbott said, describing the show as, "a very funny low comedy murder mystery. As a first time R-ACT actor I’m having a great time with a great director and super cast members.”

Lynne O’Meara, who’s playing the savvy proprietor of the Cactus Flower Saloon, agreed.

"It’s a small theater, but it has a big heart," O'Meara said.

Spinnenweber murder mysteries have been a staple at R-ACT for 15 years.

“Murder on the Mesa” was first produced a decade ago with Spinnenweber originating the role of Julius Mayfield, a charming yet luckless gambler from Virginia, rather than manning the director’s chair. Kevin B. McGuire steps into the role of Julius for this 2024 production, sharing, "What I love most about this role is using my accent capabilities as a southern gentleman, and of course wearing the western clothes right down to the boots."

Adding a touch of authenticity to the production are real-life sweethearts Johnna Lefebvre and newcomer David Holderbaum, who portray the charming couple Maybelle MacGillicuddy and Sheriff Tom Cooper, respectively.

Lefebvre said, "It’s new for us playing opposite of each other, but makes it a lot of fun and is a fun new experience."

The cast also includes Tom Abbott (Mars), Nino DeGennaro, David Holderbaum (Carnegie), Johnna Lefebvre (Ambridge), McGuire (Beaver Falls), Christopher Nardizzi (Beaver), Lynne O’Meara (Cranberry Twp), Arie Patrick (New Brighton), and Joan Schwartz (Hopewell Township).

Tickets are priced at $12 and can be secured online at ractproductions.showclix.com. For more information visit ractproductions.com or email inquiries to ractproductions@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: 'Murder on the Mesa' a wild West whodunit unravels in Rochester