BEREA, Ky. — The Bluegrass Players are wrapping up their run of Murder on the 518, and if you have not seen it yet, there are only two chances left to catch it. The final performances are Friday, March 27 at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 28 at 8:00 p.m. at The Spotlight Playhouse.
And I have to say, I am very proud of this group.
🔎 A Murder on the Tracks
Murder on the 518 is a train-set mystery that puts audiences aboard a westbound passenger train where things quickly take a deadly turn. When passengers begin dropping dead, the remaining travelers find themselves trapped together with a killer and forced to unravel the mystery before they reach the station. It is a clever setup, full of twists, suspicion, and the kind of fun mystery energy that keeps an audience leaning in.
What has made this production especially rewarding to watch is not just the play itself, but the people behind it. This show was directed by John Bailey, who is emerging as a strong director, and he has done a terrific job. The cast is strong, the pacing works, and the mystery stays entertaining all the way through.
That does not happen by accident. It takes focus, care, and a real feel for how to guide a group of performers through a story like this. John has every reason to be proud of what he has built here, and I am proud of him too.
🤝 A Growing, Welcoming Troupe
I am also proud of what the Bluegrass Players Community Theater Troupe is becoming.
This group is growing by leaps and bounds, not just in talent, but in spirit. We have so many gifted people involved, but what I keep hearing over and over again is not only how talented they are. It is how kind they are. People talk about how welcoming the group feels, how easy it is to step in, and how supportive everyone is of one another.
That matters. Community theater is at its best when it is both artistically strong and genuinely open-hearted, and that is exactly what I see happening with the Bluegrass Players.
If you get a chance to see Murder on the 518 this weekend, I do not think you will be disappointed. It is a really good mystery, it is very entertaining, and it is being carried by a super cast and a super director. This has been a wonderful run, and it makes me excited to see what comes next.
🎭 What’s Next
And there is more coming. The Bluegrass Players have several auditions coming up soon, and those will be posted very shortly. Anyone is welcome to audition. Truly, the more the merrier. If you have ever thought about getting involved in community theater, this is a great group to do it with.
For now, though, there are two performances left on this train, and I would encourage people not to miss the ride.
🖊️ About the Author
Dr. Chad Hembree has served as Executive Director of Spotlight Acting School, The Spotlight Playhouse, and Spotlight Performing Arts since 2013. Affectionately known as “Mr. Chad,” he is an accomplished performer and director who draws on his broad experience to guide students and staff with creativity, care, and a passion for making theater accessible to the Berea community.
📅 Upcoming Events in Berea & Beyond
🎭 Theater & Performance at The Spotlight Playhouse
(Tickets and info for all shows: thespotlightplayhouse.com)
- Murder on the 518 (The Bluegrass Players) — March 20–29
- Disney’s Frozen JR. (Teen Production, Ages 14–18) — March 20–29
- “Finally” A Broadway Revue (The Spotlight Players) — April 3–12
- The Booking Committee (The Bluegrass Players) — April 17–25
- Disney’s Finding Nemo KIDS (Ages 4–11) — April 24–26
🎶 Music & Concerts
- Trampled by Turtles (EKU Center for the Arts) — Sat., March 28 at 7:30 p.m.
- Jason Derulo Live (EKU Center for the Arts) — Fri., April 10 at 8:00 p.m.
- Berea College Bluegrass Ensemble Spring Concert (Berea College) — Sat., April 11 at 7:00 p.m.
🌿 Community, Arts & Outdoors
- Photography Workshop with John Snell (Berea Arts Council) — Sat., March 28 at 10:00 a.m.
- Community Easter Egg Hunt (Berea) — Sun., March 29 at 3:00 p.m.
- Good Friday Service (Berea Baptist Church) — Fri., April 3 at 12:15 p.m.
- Easter Eggstravaganza (Lake Reba Park Softball Fields, Richmond) — Sat., April 4 at 11:00 a.m.
- Easter Sunrise Service (Berea Baptist Church) — Sun., April 5 at 7:00 a.m.
- Red Oaks Forest School Art Club (Forestry Outreach Center) — Sat., April 11 at 10:00 a.m.
- RECHARGE: Foster Care Summit (Lexington, KY) — Sat., April 18
- Mushroom Inoculation Workshop with ASPI (Forestry Outreach Center) — Sat., April 25