Murder, Mystery and Mayhem Take Center Stage in Curtain Call Theatre's 'Death and Taxes'

There's been a murder in Hendricks, and everyone has something to hide. This December, Curtain Call Theatre invites audiences to pull up a chair at the most suspicious city council meeting in town with Death and Taxes, a comedic murder mystery by playwright Pat Cook. The production runs December 4–6 and 11–13 at Front Street Theatre in downtown Mokena.

In the fictional town of Hendricks, a routine city council meeting takes a decidedly deadly turn when the mayor convenes a coroner’s jury to investigate a murder. Suddenly, the usual small-town squabbles give way to a full-blown investigation, complete with accusations, questionable alibis, and a room full of potential suspects.

As the sheriff begins making arrests and the townspeople scramble to explain their whereabouts, one thing becomes clear: nearly everyone on the city council crossed paths with the victim, and nobody seems particularly eager to tell the whole truth.

Could the culprit be the local newspaper editor, desperate for a scoop but perpetually unprepared to take notes? Or the sheriff, covering his own tracks? Or perhaps the mayor herself, whose activities at city hall raise a few eyebrows?

With colorful characters, rapid-fire dialogue and more twists than a small-town rumor mill, Death and Taxes serves up a delightfully chaotic evening of comedy and intrigue. Part murder mystery, part municipal meltdown, the play proves that sometimes the most dangerous place in town is a government meeting.

Directed by Ken Czechanski, with assistant direction by Jessica Cepolski, the production features an ensemble of local performers bringing the eccentric residents of Hendricks to life.

The cast:

• Cassandra Bausch as Kathleen Lyles
• Jean Berard as Cora Sedgewick
• Grace Pieczynski as Evelyn Martindale
• Zachary Dundek as Eddie King
• Anthony Uzzardo as Dr. Efrem Bishop
• India Pajeau as Lydia Kleft
• Kristin Morris as Mattie Johansen
• Jim Zacharias as Wesley Thorne
• Jaron Nordman as Carl Johansen

Whether you're a fan of classic whodunits, quirky comedies or simply enjoy watching local government descend into complete disorder, Death and Taxes promises an entertaining night at the theatre. After all, in Hendricks, the only things certain are death, taxes…and a whole lot of suspicious behavior.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Curtain Call Theatre: 11112 Front St, Mokena, IL 60448
Tickets are $24; the show runs approximately 90 minutes.

Performance Dates and Times:

• Friday, December 4, 2026 – 7:30 PM
• Saturday, December 5, 2026 – 7:30 PM
• Sunday, December 6, 2026 – 2:00 PM
• Friday, December 11, 2026 – 7:30 PM
• Saturday, December 12, 2026 – 7:30 PM
• Sunday, December 13, 2026 – 2:00 PM

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ccctheatre.com or call the box office at (708) 607-2281.

Death & Taxes is presented by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing.