Quote of the Day: If you are feeling sad, go create something, because Art is magic and it will make everything a little bit better. Source unknown. This is one of those phrases that gets recreated and sent out from time to time. It seems fitting as I reflect on the success of my latest artistic endeavor – writing and developing the stage adaptation of It’s Murder, Dontcha Know, based on the book by the same name by MN author Jeanne Cooney. I also starred in it as the main character/amateur sleuth Doris Connor. 

Today is another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. You can also visit the founder Alex J. Cavanaugh for more info and links.

Optional Question for April 2025: What fantasy character would you like to fight, go on a quest with, or have a beer/glass of wine with?

One obvious answer would be all the characters in It’s Murder, Dontcha Know. I also read that question as “fantasy” characters. While many of them would be fun to hang out with, I first thought of Luna Lovegood from the Harry Potter series. She seems like someone who could use a genuine friend. She’s thoughtful, mystical, sad, and yet courageous. She looks at the world a little differently than most people. I like her spirit. 

As far as insecurities go, I’m feeling pretty good right now with the success of It’s Murder, Dontcha Know. The only thing I’m anxious about is the next step – how and where to share it, get it published, and wondering if any other theaters will produce it. I’ll be meeting with someone at the end of the week to talk about options.

Our production here in the Brainerd lakes area was a huge success. We sold out all four of the performances. Four might seem like a small number of performances, but it’s a brand new play. People are often reluctant to attend a play that they’ve never heard of. It’s not a musical. It didn’t involve any kids (although we did have one performer who was 14), and some of our actors were on stage for the first time. Of course, we had several well known actors for our area, as well, who always put on a tremendous performance. Still, the audience response was overwhelmingly positive. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience with this project, from the moment I said yes to Jeanne’s request for an adaptation, to the first reading, all the yeses from the cast and crew and the development, to the final bow to a standing ovation! All I can say is, “Thank you!” to everyone involved.

The people who say yes to a project like this are the ones who love a creative challenge. The actors got to be the first ones to embody these characters, originating the roles. Our director Guy Kelm was the first to see the vision of it appearing on stage. His contributions made it the success it became. Our set designer, Tim Leagjeld, was the first to design a representation of this story, the small town setting, and the various locations. His set was amazing! I’ll list the cast and crew below and post a link to the show, which is available to the public to view on Youtube. It’s Murder, Dontcha Know video recording through Central Lakes College Performing Arts, Brainerd, MN, by Matt Hill.

Cast and crew of “It’s Murder, Dontcha Know,” by Mary Aalgaard, based on the book by the same name by MN Author Jeanne Cooney. Photo by Stage Manager Shawna Sylverster, 2025.

It’s Murder, Dontcha Know By Mary Aalgaard

Based on the novel by the same name by Jeanne Cooney

 

First produced by the Central Lakes College Performing Arts Center in Brainerd, Minnesota, February 27 & 28 and March 1 & 2, 2025.

Artistic Director: Joseph Yow

With the following cast of characters and crew.

 

Director: Guy Kelm

Stage Manager: Shawna Sylvester

Costume Designer: Nicole Grabowski

Set Designer: Tim Leagjeld

 

Cast:

Doris: Mary Aalgaard

Grace: Julie Jo Larson

Rose: Barb McColgan

Erin: Kayla Luhrs

Will: Andy Ellison

Karl: Mark Juel

Dr. Betcher: M. Hollis Ford and Guy Kelm

Dr. Osgood: Blake Lubinus

Tweety: Bridger Collins

Berta: Joanna Collins

Gustaf: Richard (Watson) Dreissig

Ed/Buck: C.J. Nichols

Gerti: Rhonda Schmidt

Allie: Elli Salo

 

Brief Summary:

It’s Murder, Dontcha Know, based on the novel by Jeanne Cooney, is a quirky, cozy murder mystery set in the present day in Northwest area of Minnesota where nothing much ever happens. Until, a robbery and a murder happen in the same week. Between bites of hotdish and wild game feeds, the rumors fly. Doris steps out of her quiet farm life and into crime solving mode when her children become prime suspects. With the help of the local law enforcement and her natural tendencies for gathering information, she digs into the lives of her friends and neighbors to find the real killer.

 

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: What creative projects are you working on right now?