Shoestring Productions

Murder In The Family

By Abby Carlyle

“If I weren’t in Shoestring Productions, I’d be on life support,” says Reid, a 12 year old “drama veteran.”

“I joined because I wanted to find some cool, crazy home-school friends,” says Naomi. “And I think I’ve found them.”

Boy, did she!

Jeannie Everingham began Shoestring Productions 13 years ago when her own children wanted to do a play. The idea grew and so did the group of kids involved. Jeannie now produces two plays a year with about 25 children.

My mom put me into Shoestring Productions Theatrical Troupe a few years ago so I could have an outlet for my dramatic side plus gain life skills (public speaking, confidence, etc.) at the same time. After I got over my fear of meeting “cool, crazy home-school friends,” I loved the class. It’s great to have someplace to go where we know we can be ourselves and have our natural talent for drama polished and encouraged.

December we will be putting on the play Murder Runs in the Family by Pat Cook. It’s a hilarious murder mystery about the wisecracking, clumsy detective Jack Sparks and his job of protecting Heather Pallfeather, a naïve young woman whose stepfather died mysteriously. The play takes place the night the Pallfeathers gather to hear the reading of stepfather’s will. But which will, will it be? The one switched by the ex-con son-in-law and his wife? The one swapped by the estranged stepsister, Maxine? Or one of the other “wills” also exchanged by other colorful characters?

Shoestring Productions Theatrical Troupe is appropriately named because our plays are done “on a shoe string.” We don’t have a permanent home, although Cornerstone Christian Church has been gracious enough to let us practice there. Jeannie has always dreamed of having a location where we can work regularly on an actual stage. But she always makes sure we do the best with what we have.

We have a wonderful time learning in the Christian environment Jeannie provides. And, quite honestly, I think we would all be on life support without our drama class.

Come see Murder Runs in the Family at Cornerstone Christian Church, 608 N. Bartlett Street, Medford--Friday, Decemeber 5, at 7:00 pm and Saturday, December 6, at 2:00 pm and 7:00 PM. $8 general admission. $5 for students and seniors (62 +) For more information call (541) 941-0167 or 301-9717.

Abby Carlyle writes from Medford, Oregon.