Murder By The Book

by Laura Teasdale

Laura Teasdale was born in Antigonish, Nova Scotia and studied at Acadia and Concordia. She worked in Quebec for 27 years as an actor, playwright, musician, cartoon voice, director, teacher. She was commissioned by author Louise Penny to write Murder by the Book, an adaptable script offered royalty free to libraries worldwide for fundraising.   

Sponsored by Louise Penny

Louise Penny is the author of the bestselling Three Pines mystery novel series. Her work has been recognized with multiple Agatha Awards for best mystery novel and multiple Anthony Awards for best novel.

What is it about?

The town of Two Spruce is about to lose their beloved library. A team of volunteer actors come to its financial rescue by staging a murder mystery. But on opening night a real murder most foul threatens to thwart their theatrical aspirations. Lucy the Librarian and a team of quirky volunteer actors scramble to solve the crime before the curtain rises and the library is lost forever.

What is the New Works Series?

The New Works Series: Staged Readings of Plays in its 3rd season this year at Bennington Theater. Local actors perform original new plays, scripts in hand, after only 6 hours of rehearsal. The plays may be staged or simply read aloud. Tonight’s play is an enhanced staged reading.

Why do play readings?  First, it’s a vital part of developing new plays and nurturing playwrights. Second, it allows us to share the process of how plays are created.  It all begins with a script.  But a script is not a play. 

Until a script is seen and heard, until the characters speak, feel, move & become human- -only then does a script begin to be a play.  A play is a living thing that we discover, step by step. The first step is a reading. Readings give playwrights, actors, and directors the space to take chances.  To discover what works and what doesn’t work and to trust the audience.   

Finally, these readings of new works connect us with you -- because Bennington Theater is yours, it comes out of this community.  We invite you to get involved with us!