The Modesto Junior College Theatre department will present the drama Stage Fright on August 29 and 30 and September 4, 5 and 6  at 7:30 p.m., and on September 6 and 7 at 2 p.m. in the Little Theatre located in the Performing & Media Arts Center on East Campus.  The play is a murder mystery in the tradition of Agatha Christie and Alfred Hitchcock with a double-twist surprise ending.  

            The action takes place in the dressing room of a provincial British theatre during the performance of a thriller.  Suspense builds when Addie, the star of the show, begins to feel ill and for the first time her understudy takes her place for the dramatic and violent last act of the play. 

            When a shot rings out in the theatre during the performance one of the cast lays dead.  Was it suicide?  Was it murder?  Who had access to the deadly stage prop and replaced the bullet with a real one?  With everyone a suspect, the final revelation unveils not only the murderer but the price some actors pay to practice their art. 

            Under the direction of Professor Emeritus Jim Johnson, the line-up of experienced cast members are Charlene West, Dyanne Durr, Lynette Borrelli, Charles Mullins, Michael Lynch and Linda Johnson. 

            Stage Fright is the first production staged in the newly renovated, expanded and reopened Performing and Media Arts Center.  The Little Theatre is located on southwest corner of the Center, near the corner of College and Stoddard Avenues. General admission is $10, and students and seniors tickets are $8.  Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Box Office on Tuesday through Friday, 1 - 5 p.m. or by calling 575-6776, and at the door 90 minutes before each show.  Tickets may also be purchased online at mjc.tix.com