Franklin Regional Thespians solve a wealthy man's murder in 'The Westing Game'

Sam Westing is dead. And whichever one of his neighbors solves his murders will get his inheritance.

So goes “The Westing Game,” the play that members of the Franklin Regional Thespians will stage Oct. 24, 26, and 27. And for most of them, it’s a familiar story.

“Almost all the kids in the cast read the young adult novel this is based on when they were in middle school,” said co-director Richard Sunny. “So they’re excited to be part of this.”

Sunny also has reason for excitement, since he has a new co-director: English teacher Shelby Hostetler.

“It’s a great play, and it’s pretty true to the book,” Hostetler said.

Sunny and Hostetler are working with a cast of 18, the largest Sunny has had for an FR Thespians production.

“It’s a high-energy, fast-paced story,” Sunny said.

And while “The Westing Game” in recent years has only been supplemental reading material for middle-school students, Sunny said teachers brought it back this year after hearing the club was putting it on.

“We’re going to do a private performance for middle-school students, since they’re reading it in class,” he said.

“The Westing Game,” adapted by Darian Lindle from the Ellen Raskin novel, will take place at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 and 26, and at 2 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Franklin Regional Senior High School auditorium, 3200 School Road in Murrysville.

Tickets are $10 for adults an $5 for students and seniors. All tickets are sold at the door prior to the show.