OSHKOSH – Oshkosh Community Players are bringing the psychological thriller “Rope” to The Grand Oshkosh.
The play, written by Patrick Hamilton, will run Sept. 25-27 with evening performances at 7 p.m. and a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m., according to a community announcement.
Set in a London apartment, “Rope” follows two university students who commit what they believe to be the perfect crime and then host a dinner party with their victim’s body hidden inside the chest they use as a dining table. The gathering includes the victim’s mother, aunt, former girlfriend and the student’s old professor, whose observations begin to unravel their facade.
Cast and crew bring experience to the stage
The production features Noah Matthew as Wyndham Brandon, Adam Baurain as Charles Granillo and Zach Caldwell as Professor Rupert Cadell.
Director Robert Amsden, who had a 27-year career at Ripon College directing and designing more than 50 productions, is excited about the show.
“It is a privilege to work with such a joyous cast,” Amsden said. “We make remarkable progress toward a well-rehearsed and acted play each week. I am excited to finally get to The Grand and see the play on the big stage!”
Amsden shares directorial responsibilities with assistant director Madysen Schmidt, who has been acting since 2022 and has 16 productions under her belt. She will become president of the Oshkosh Community Players in 2025.
“The production is incredible,” Schmidt said. “Enthusiasm from both cast and crew alike makes this 100-year-old story just as relevant and gripping [today] as it was back then.”
Suspense and humor balance the production
Audiences can expect a balance of tension and wit during the evening.
“Suspense and humor,” Amsden said. “Alfred Hitchcock, master of suspense, produced a film adaptation of the stage play, so it is no surprise that he selected this rather frightening story. Playwright Patrick Hamilton — also the playwright of the famous play ‘Gaslight’ — has provided some lovely humor, so the tension is leavened with some laughs.”
For Amsden and Schmidt, community theater itself is a vital part of the experience.
“In the best of all possible worlds, theater-goers get to see talented individuals in the community practicing their crafts out of love of the art,” Amsden said. “They are rewarded by seeing new and promising actors and they can see favorites perform a variety of roles in different shows over the years.”
How to get tickets
Tickets for “Rope” can be reserved online using the QR code on promotional materials or by calling The Grand Box Office at 920-424-2350. The play is suitable for high school age students and older.
This story was created by reporter Nida Tazeen, ntazeen@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Oshkosh Community Players to stage psychological thriller ‘Rope’ at The Grand Sept. 25-27
Reporting by Nida Tazeen, Oshkosh Northwestern / Oshkosh Northwestern
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