Inspector’s Notes with the “Ravenscroft” Suspect of the Week
Inspector Ruffing has been called to investigate the death of Patrick Roarke at the remote Ravenscroft estate in the English countryside. The year is 1905. There are five women in the house: Mrs. Ravenscroft, her 17-year old daughter, Gillian, Marcy Kleiner, Gillian’s governess, Mrs. French, the housekeeper, and Dolly, the Ravenscrofts’ maid. When the Inspector arrives at the manor, he is told that Patrick fell down the stairs and his death is an accident. He discovers some interesting details through his questioning of the residents of the Ravenscroft estate.
This Week's Suspect: Mrs. Ravenscroft.
Ruffing: How would you describe your daughter?
Mrs. Ravenscroft: My daughter Gillian is the most important person in my life. She has special needs and requires protecting at all costs. No matter what I have to do.
Ruffing: What can you say about the women working for you?
Mrs. Ravenscroft: Mrs. French is reliable and good at keeping secrets and keeps that silly maid Dolly in check. And Marcy? I'll tolerate her if she keeps Gillian happy, although there is something strange about her.
Ruffing: What do you have to say about Patrick Roarke?
Mrs. Ravenscroft: It was certainly a shame about Patrick's death. A pleasant boy. He was so handy and useful to have around. Very strong. He was a wonderful gardener…so good with his hands. Of course there was NO murder here in this house. Just accidents! And I had nothing to do any of it; nothing at all. I am the lady of the house. Ladies don't commit murder…I mean accidents!
Ruffing’s Notes: How many skeletons are locked away in the closets here? Mrs. Ravenscroft seems very defensive when it comes to her daughter. To what lengths would she go to protect Gillian? Mrs. Ravenscroft thinks Marcy is strange. How does she mean? Plenty of strange behavior going on here. And why did Mrs. Ravenscroft refer to accidents? Was there more than one? I will continue to investigate into these matters further.
Mrs. Ravenscroft: My daughter Gillian is the most important person in my life. She has special needs and requires protecting at all costs. No matter what I have to do.
Ruffing: What can you say about the women working for you?
Mrs. Ravenscroft: Mrs. French is reliable and good at keeping secrets and keeps that silly maid Dolly in check. And Marcy? I'll tolerate her if she keeps Gillian happy, although there is something strange about her.
Ruffing: What do you have to say about Patrick Roarke?
Mrs. Ravenscroft: It was certainly a shame about Patrick's death. A pleasant boy. He was so handy and useful to have around. Very strong. He was a wonderful gardener…so good with his hands. Of course there was NO murder here in this house. Just accidents! And I had nothing to do any of it; nothing at all. I am the lady of the house. Ladies don't commit murder…I mean accidents!
Ruffing’s Notes: How many skeletons are locked away in the closets here? Mrs. Ravenscroft seems very defensive when it comes to her daughter. To what lengths would she go to protect Gillian? Mrs. Ravenscroft thinks Marcy is strange. How does she mean? Plenty of strange behavior going on here. And why did Mrs. Ravenscroft refer to accidents? Was there more than one? I will continue to investigate into these matters further.
More Will Be Revealed...
As the Inspector hunts for clues to lead him to the truth, be on the lookout for more suspects of the week. GreenMan Theatre invites you to attend “Ravenscroft” by Don Nigro to see for yourself who the culprit, or culprits, will be. Mrs. Ravenscroft cordially requests your presence at Asbury Hall at the First United Methodist Church at 232 S. York in Elmhurst. The Ravenscrofts will only provide their hospitality for 9 weekend gatherings between October 14 and 30. Mrs. Ravenscroft requests that guests attend at 7:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 pm on Sundays. Tickets to attend the Ravenscroft manor are $17 for adults and $15 for seniors and students. If you require more information, please telephone 630-464-2646.
