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It started with a book. Then a staged reading in 2023 at CLC. And now, It’s Murder, Dontcha Know is ready for its full theatrical debut at the Chalberg Theatre. The adaptation, written by local playwright Mary Aalgaard and based on author Jeanne Cooney’s novel, brings a cozy murder mystery with a distinctly Minnesotan charm to the stage. The production runs February 27 through March 2 at Central Lakes College, Brainerd campus.
Set in the small Scandinavian town of Hallock, MN, the story follows Doris Connor, a widow looking forward to a quiet retirement—until a murder shakes up her world, and her own children are dragged into the investigation. Doris, played by Aalgaard herself, is joined by an eccentric cast of characters including her sister Grace (Julie Jo Larson), their feisty friend Rose (Barb McColgan), and Doris’s daughter Erin (Kayla Luhrs). Andy Ellison, last seen in “Radium Girls”, plays Will, while Mark Juel takes on the role of Karl. The cast also features M. Hollis Ford as Dr. Betcher, Blake Lubinous (from the staged reading of The Ghost Light) as Dr. Osgood, Bridgers Collins as Tweety, Joanna Collins as Berta, and Richard (Watson) Dreissig, also from The Ghost Light reading, as Gustaf. C.J. Nichols, who audiences might remember from The Prom, plays Ed/Buck, Rhonda Schmidt is Gerti, and Elli Salo rounds out the ensemble as Allie.
Director Guy Kelm, an experienced educator from ISD 181, leads the production with a hands-on, collaborative approach.
“With a new play, you don’t have a roadmap,” Kelm said. “We’re building this world from scratch—figuring out how the story moves, how the set works, even how the characters interact with each other. That’s what makes this process so exciting.”
Scenic designer Tim Leagjeld took on that challenge by creating a set based around the prominent setting of the Hot Dish Heaven cafe that also adapts and evolves with the action, featuring walls that rotate to reveal multiple locations in the town of Hallock, and even a hidden set piece that provides a surprise mid-show reveal. Costume designer Nicole Grabowski makes her CLC debut, crafting looks that balance everyday Midwestern charm with each character’s larger-than-life personality. Lighting design is handled by Joey Yow, who has designed previous productions like Something Rotten! and Collected Stories. Don Abbott, who was last seen in The Prom, serves as the sound designer, and Shawna Sylvester, last seen in August: Osage County, serves as Stage Manager.
While this marks the play’s full production debut, the cast has been developing their roles since September, reading new drafts of the script and giving notes to Aalgaard, who refined the script throughout 2024. The rehearsals helped the actors connect not just with their characters, but with each other. Over months of rehearsals, the group has formed a close bond, with a group text thread originally created for scheduling now doubling as a space for jokes, encouragement, and even commiseration over winter illnesses.
One cast member summed it up in a message: “This play has been the best thing I’ve done for myself in 15-20 years. I hope our love for this project shines through on stage.”
Another chimed in, “This has been a beautiful experience—an inclusive, positive space where we all support one another.”
The cast toured the show to the One Woman Playwright Festival at Yellow Tree Theatre in Osseo, MN in February.
That sense of community is at the heart of why the CLC Performing Arts Center continues to develop new work. “Very few of us get to do theatre as a full-time career,” said Yow, “but that doesn’t mean it’s any less important. It gives people a creative outlet, builds confidence, and honestly, it’s just fun. There’s nothing like watching a cast find their rhythm together and build something they’re proud of.”
The set crew for this production includes Kryston Wisely (last seen in “A Christmas Carol”), Lynn Ellison (from “Radium Girls”), Cora Starns, and Laiken Bladow. Their work, along with the rest of the production team, has helped bring Hallock to life on the Chalberg Theatre stage.
“It’s Murder, Dontcha Know” is presented as part of the CLC Performing Arts Center’s Brainerd Community Theatre and is supported by Central Lakes College, the Five Wings Arts Council, and the Minnesota State Arts Board.
Performance Dates: Feb. 27 & 28 at 7 p.m., March 1&2 at 2 p.m. (ASL Interpreted Performance on Feb 28 – please call box office if you would like to utilize this service.)
Location: Chalberg Theatre, Central Lakes College
Tickets: www.clcperformingarts.com or 218-855-8199
