Starlight makes a strong case for its survival with ‘The Butler Did It’

After making an appeal to the community for help in overcoming recent economic challenges, Starlight Dinner Theatre’s production of “The Butler Did It” serves as a reminder of the family-friendly entertainment experience the theater uniquely provides to the Lansing area. 

It’s a dark and stormy night in the English countryside as the Covington family awaits the arrival of famed mystery novelist Edwina Corry (Cheryl Sheridan). Playboy neighbor Trevor Barstow (Adam Bright) has dropped by uninvited, much to the chagrin of Jenkins, the butler (Chris Klaver). Despite having a secret relationship with the Covington’s maid, Sarah Jane (Nicole Buchmann), Trevor surprises Col. Nigel Covington (David Brooks) by asking for his daughter’s hand in marriage. 

Kat Covington (Molly Woods) is a plucky, independent woman who aspires to be the first female pilot to circumnavigate the globe. Her plans change when Nigel informs her that the family is bankrupt and he needs her to marry Trevor for his money. As Nigel prepares for the announcement, a murderer strikes and throws the manor into chaos. 

Meanwhile, Edwina arrives just before the bridge to town washes out, preventing the police from coming to investigate. Edwina takes charge, ensuring the players that she has the singular skills to suss out the killer. Evidence pointing to Jenkins as the primary suspect mounts, and he is secured to a chair, in which he spends the entire second half as he tries to prove his innocence.

The plot is fairly cliché and not terribly innovative, but Todd Wallinger’s script provides enough witty banter to keep it entertaining. The clueless Nigel has some of the best lines, particularly when he gets confused between references to his daughter Kat and the family cat in conversation. 

Director Linda Granger has assembled a capable cast that embodies their stereotypical roles well. Klaver has the look and demeanor of a proper butler, although his accent is not quite consistent. On the other hand, as the local vicar Father Timothy, Douglas Hoy maintains a great Irish brogue throughout the play. Paul Levandowski is a delight in drag as Gram, the addled but formidable mother of Lady Miranda Covington (Sandy VanLancker).

The production team — including set designer Jim Lorenz, props wrangler Ruth Tepin and set dresser Granger as well as their construction crew — has created a beautiful 1930s drawing room, complete with luxurious but tasteful furniture and décor. Granger also handled costume duties, which are excellent, although Nigel’s explorer outfit, complete with pith helmet, is especially fitting and funny. 

One detail of special note is the effect of the rain outside the windows when the lights are down. Gently moving foil streamers and perfect lighting create a beautiful and realistic downpour, enhancing the environment of isolation. 

Starlight offers the audience the opportunity to guess who the killer is during intermission, and those who guess correctly are entered into a drawing for prizes at the end of the show. Along with the option to have dinner or dessert, this bit of audience participation is another example of the qualities that set Starlight apart from other local theater companies.