05/04/2026
I recently returned from a weekend in Deep River, where I had the pleasure of attending the community production of “Murder by the Book” by Laura Teasdale.
This marks my sixth time seeing a Deep River Players show, and once again they delivered a delightful and engaging performance that made the trip from Ottawa more than worthwhile. The cast clearly embraced the playful nature of the script, striking a satisfying balance between mystery and comedy. The humor landed well with the audience.
What stands out most about this production and about the company as a whole: is its consistency. The direction is confident; the performances are committed. There is an evident sense of care in every aspect of the show. Sandra Celovsky’s casting was particularly effective, bringing together seasoned performers, many familiar faces from past productions as well as young actors taking the stage for the first time. The result was a delightful balance of experience and fresh energy, that added more charm and laughter to the performance.
The set was both convincing and highly functional making excellent use of the limited space, while comfortably accommodating nine actors. The attention to detail combined with seamless staging allowed the action to flow effortlessly.
I don’t think I’ll soon forget Sarah/Sally’s costume or performance played by Bailey Waite. Especially in her scenes with Dorie played by Nicole Lebel. Their dynamic was easily one of the highlights of the evening. Olivia Dooley made a lovely debut, and I truly hope we’ll be seeing her on stage again in future productions. I also need to mention Sam Bessey’s performance in his role. He has grown into an actor capable of stretching his talent to delight audiences with the portrayal of multiple characters. Shhh… I can’t say more without giving too much away!
This is a show you’ll want to see. Every aspect of the production reflected care, commitment, and a genuine spirit of community.
Natasha Zutic
Natasha Zutic is a graduate of the Theatre Arts program at Algonquin College, with over ten years of experience in Ottawa’s theatre community. Her work spans both professional and volunteer roles with organizations including the National Arts Centre, Arts Court, and Ottawa Little Theatre, as well as independent companies. She is currently employed at Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe”
