EMPORIA, Kansas – Kathleen Martin of Kiowa, Kansas, has a role in Emporia State University Theatre's production of "Curtains," written by Rupert Holmes with lyrics by Fred Ebb, and music by John Kander, as the 2022 Homecoming musical. Performances are Oct. 27, 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m., and Oct. 30 at 2 p.m. in the Karl C. Bruder Theatre in King Hall, Emporia State University campus.

The show is a murder mystery, inside a musical, wrapped up in a savvy comedy. The story: It's opening night for a new musical, but the leading lady has been murdered. Detective Frank Cioffi – a music theatre aficionado – is called in to investigate. Everyone is a suspect as the bodies begin to pile up. "Curtains" is packed with glorious tunes, show-stopping dance numbers, delightful characters, and was nominated for eight Tony Awards including Best Musical.

"I think there can be no better musical to shake off our collective ‘post-Covid blues’ than ‘Curtains: The Musical Whodunit.’ What audiences deserve is something big, something fun, something with all the bells and whistles – and Curtains fits that bill," said Director of Theatre Pete Rydberg, director of the production who teams up with longtime choreographer partner Cindy Severt for this dance-filled comedy.

Martin is Assistant Costume Design

The production, according to Rydberg, required calling in additional talent to stage the "mega-sized musical."

"We are thrilled to have secured the skills of professionals from across the Midwest to bring this dance-and-spectacle filled musical to life."

Guest artists for the production include Matt Mahr, an ESU 2019 alumni; Hank Osterhout; Severt and Lauren Smith Bearden.

Visit emporia.edu/tickets for reservations or additional information or call the box office at 620-341-5256 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays with any questions. The show runs approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. Tickets are also available at the King Hall box office one hour before the show.