’60s Farce Returns Laughs to MLT Stage

‘Exit the Body’ is theater’s first full adult show since pandemic began

By Bonnijean Cooney Adams
The Tube City Almanac
March 11, 2022
Posted in: Entertainment

A mixed cast of McKeesport Little Theater veterans and newcomers to that venue are in final rehearsals for the comedic mystery "Exit the Body." Missing from the photo is Cory Sigler. (Bonnijean Cooney Adams photo for Tube City Almanac)

When a successful mystery writer rents a cottage in New England for a change of scenery while seeking inspiration for her next novel, the result isn’t exactly what she anticipated.

That’s the situation Kacie Greenlief as novelist Crane Hammond finds herself in as she makes her McKeesport Little Theater debut in “Exit the Body.”

Written by Fred Carmichael, it premiered in 1961, which led to some decisions whether to update to 2022 for the MLT production.

Ultimately, the show that opens Friday (March 11) and continues March 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20, remains set in 1961, including using a rotary phone to dial “0” to reach the operator.

“I have been impressed with the fact that a play from 1961 still has a good comic element within it,” veteran MLT director Dan J. Kirk said. “I think the audience will enjoy the simplicity of folks who are just caught up in a silly situation – not too forced and nothing very heavy.”

The cottage has a closet that opens to the living room, where most of the action takes place, but also connects to the library. Ever the mystery writer, Crane thinks she sees a body when the door opens, but then that body apparently disappears -- to be replaced by another one -- and she questions what she really saw.

Greenlief said she’s worked with Kirk previously, and was glad to reconnect for “Exit the Body.”

She described her protagonist character as “kind of flighty,” with a supporting cast that includes her secretary/best friend/confidante, an amnesiac, several rich neighbors, and others who bring lots of levity to the show.

“I love this show,” Greenlief said. “It’s such a goofy farce. I’d tell the audience to be prepared for something different. It’s funny, it’s charming, it’s nostalgic.”

MLT veteran Sierra Mitchell portrays secretary Kate, who she said takes notes, answers the phone calls, and is almost like a therapist for the novelist.

“She’s a balloon and I’m holding the string,” Mitchell said.

Val DeCesar is Lillian, a wealthy neighbor who has some issues of her own.

“She’s a rich New York designer who likes to play pranks, entertain, and party, but she carries it to the nth degree. She has no boundaries,” DeCesar said. “She’s had multiple husbands. She’s fun to play.”

DeCesar said she’s also worked with Kirk before, but this is her first time at MLT.

Tom Arillotta has called MLT home since he first appeared there in the 1980s. He said he had reluctantly gone to see a production of “Annie,” although he wasn’t that familiar with plays and musicals then, and really enjoyed it.

When he heard about and auditioned for MLT’s “Annie” in 1983, Arillotta said he intended it as a one-time experience. But he got hooked and remained throughout the years.

In “Exit the Body,” he’s described as a “criminal henchman,” with possible knowledge about a jewel heist elsewhere and its connection to the cottage.

“I’m a gangster wannabe,” Arilotta said with a laugh. “We do farces well here. I’m glad to be back here now that live theater is opening up again.”

Kinsley Beachler debuts at MLT as Helen, who is a real estate agent. She attended Westinghouse Arts Academy in Wilmerding.

“I’m a kind of crazy, obsessive fan girl of the author,” Beachler said of her character. “I’m very high strung.”

Beachler said she did not have a particular part in mind when she auditioned.

“It’s been awhile,” she said. “I love murder mysteries and I’m a big fan of comedy stuff.”

MLT newcomer Eddie Kunz officially is Sheriff Vernon Cookley, although he wears many hats, including taxi driver and church sexton.

“I’m the small-town sheriff, kindhearted, well-intended,” Kunz said.

He said while Crane is unaware of reports about a diamond theft, Vernon and Helen seem to know something.

“The town is still abuzz about it,” Kunz said.

Dellen Morton provides another comedic twist when he shows up at the cottage with amnesia.

“Someone hits him from behind and he forgets why he’s there,” Morton said.

Is he involved in the diamond theft? Is he a good guy or a bad one? Is he married or not? Is anyone really who they say they are?

Morton said this is his fourth show at MLT, and he’s really enjoying the role. He described the third act with everyone commingling on the stage as “chaotic,” and fellow cast member Frederick Coleman agreed.

Coleman makes his appearance in the culminating third act as Richard Hammond, describing his character as “confused.”

Both said timing is especially critical, not only through their lines, but with doors opening and closing and actors entering and exiting the stage in rapid succession.

New to MLT and the Pittsburgh area, Coleman said he has previous acting experience, and has wanted to do another live show, but other commitments have limited his availability.

Hannah DeGroot plays Jenny, described as the “ditzy maid,” who seems very unsure of herself amid the comings and goings of all the other characters. “I feel Jenny has the biggest surprise of all of the characters,” she said.

Cory Sigler, a veteran MLT performer and director, returns as Lyle, bringing more interest to the cast and storyline.

“This is our first full run of an adult show in two years, and there’s a real energy building around that. It’s almost tangible,” producer Jennifer R. Vertullo said.

“From this diverse group of actors (MLT veterans, Juniors turning to adult shows, and actors who are new to our theater) to our production team and board, everyone is excited to be back on stage or behind the scenes,” she said.

“I’m just glad we are all able to join together again,” Kirk said. “That has been the joy of working on this play.”

Cast and Crew:

Val DeCesar as Lillian, Hannah DeGroot as Jenny, Tom Arillotta as Randolph, Kinsley Beachler as Helen, Sierra Mitchell as Kate, Kacie Greenlief as Crane, Eddie Kunz as Vernon, Cory Sigler as Lyle, Dellen Morton as Philip, and Frederick Coleman as Richard.

Director: Dan J. Kirk
Producer: Jennifer R. Vertullo
Light and Sound Board Operator: Brian Kirk
Set Construction: Dave Fleming
Set Painting/Design: Michelle Kirk
Props: Anita Sedlock

Bonnijean Cooney Adams is a freelance contributor. She can be reached at adamsclick@aol.com

Originally published March 11, 2022.

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