Rope, a masterfully written psychological crime drama, by Patrick Hamilton begins previews April 12 at the Shaw Festival’s Royal George Theatre. Jani Lauzon directs this riveting “can-they-get-away-with-it” that’s loosely based on the infamous Leopold and Loeb 1924 murder case.
 
Inspired by debates surrounding amorality with former teacher Rupert Cadell (Michael Therriault), Wyndham Brandon (Kelly Wong) and Charles Granillo (Travis Seetoo) murder a fellow student – just to see if they can pull it off. Drunk on their arrogance and the thrill of committing the ‘perfect murder’, they throw a party and use the locked wooden chest containing the body to serve the evening’s buffet.
 
Joanna Yu’s set and costume design anchors this gripping psychological thriller in 1929 Mayfair, London. Lighting design by Louise Guinand creates shadowy nooks and crannies in the confining upper level of Wyndham Brandon’s residence. John Gzowski’s original soundscape and music further amplifies the mood of unease and suspense.  
 
Rope is on stage at the Royal George Theatre (85 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake) from April 12 to October 12. 

The Shaw Festival’s 2019 season is on stage April 6 through December 22 featuring a playbill that includes The Horse and His Boy, Brigadoon, The Ladykillers, Man and Superman with Don Juan in Hell, Rope, Getting Married, The Russian Play, Cyrano de Bergerac, The Glass Menagerie, Sex, Victory, Secret Theatre, A Christmas Carol and Holiday Inn. Tickets for the 2019 Festival season are available through the Box Office at 1-800-511-SHAW and online at www.shawfest.com.