SPRING VALLEY – Spring Valley Stagehands has another hit on its hands with Billy St. John’s “Murders in the Heir,” directed by Lori Peterson. Luckily, you still have another weekend to catch this interactive murder mystery-comedy.

The cast takes us to moody Starkweather Mansion, a gloomy country estate nestled in the woods far from any town on a dark and stormy night (how appropriate). We are immediately introduced to an eclectic cast of characters, everyone from the no-nonsense cook to the playboy, smooth-talking nephew of the family’s patriarch, billionaire Simon Starkweather.

From the beginning, it’s clear that no one is fond of Simon; they’re more enamored with his fortune. As Simon’s family members and staff gather in the mansion’s parlor for an announcement, the anticipation builds as a storm rages outside and the group waits for Simon’s grandson, who has been delayed by the weather. Or has he?

Simon decides to go ahead and make his much-awaited announcement without his grandson, a declaration that leaves those gathered reeling. Almost every person there has reason to be upset, but are any of them angry enough to resort to murder? Shortly after the bombshell, the power goes out and Simon is found dead in his room with a blood pressure cuff around his neck.

The best part of this production, besides the stellar performances, is the audience gets to decide the ending. During intermission, ushers hand out ballots asking the audience who they think murdered Simon. Based on the votes, the cast performs the corresponding ending to the mystery. You could attend two shows in a row and see two different endings. Don’t miss out on your chance to play armchair detective. No matter the result, it promises to be entertaining.

Peterson in the program explains that she most often chooses shows that explore relationships, entertain deep questions about the meaning of life, and explore topics and that challenge people to think in new or different ways about what they consider the truth to be.

“This time around, I’ve chosen a show that is all about fun and provides us a bit of freedom from thinking about all the things that might be causing us angst right now (although I can fully appreciate that murder might indeed cause angst – haha),” Peterson said.

Remaining showtimes are 7 p.m. March 7-9 and 2 p.m. March 10. Tickets are available at the door or at svstagehands.org Spring Valley Stagehands, located a S234 McKay Ave., is in its 39^th year.