Amsden directing “Rope” at The Grand Oshkosh Sept. 25-27

Robert Amsden, professor emeritus of theatre at Ripon College, is directing “Rope,” a gripping suspense drama presented by the Oshkosh Community Players (OCP), at The Grand Oshkosh Sept. 25-27.

After a 27-year career at the Ripon College Theatre Department, where he directed and designed more than 50 productions, Amsden has joined the OCP board this year. The Patrick Hamilton play is the first of two plays he will direct for OCP this season.

“We are fortunate to have quite a good cast to make the show quite engaging for the audience,” Amsden said. “It should be suspenseful and thought-provoking and even though it falls in the ‘murder mystery category,’ there are some parts that should be quite funny.”

“Rope” revolves around two university-age students in London who commit what they believe to be the “perfect crime,” and host a dinner party with their victim’s body concealed in a chest serving as the dining table. The guests include the victim’s mother, aunt, two friends and the students’ old tutor.

Amsden shares directorial responsibilities with assistant director Madysen Schmidt, president of OCP.

Evening performances are scheduled for 7 p.m., with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. This suspenseful production is set to captivate audiences from the very first scene to the final twist, offering a kick-start to fall’s “spooky season.”

Tickets for “Rope” can be reserved online or by calling The Grand Box Office at (920) 424-2350. The play is suitable for ages high school and older.

“This production is blessed with a talented cast and equally gifted supporting group of designers and technicians for whom we are thankful,” Amsden said in a director’s note. “We are delighted to have the privilege of performing a thought-provoking and enter