Press Release

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 8, 2006) - Picture Films Presents "Next Stop Murder" at the Gene Bua Acting for Life Theatre in Burbank. It's an original comedy murder mystery, written by published playwright Frank Semerano. Opening night is Friday, April 14, 2006 at 8 pm and the show will run for 6 weeks; Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm., Sundays at 3 pm.

Next Stop Murder: Murder, Mystery, Music and Mayhem
"Next Stop Murder" takes place in the 1950's, in a Greater Metropolitan Area. This side-splitting musical murder mystery comedy combines the magic of witty writer, Frank Semerano, with the idyllic and lighthearted original score by gifted composer Clifford J. Tasner. The evening is one of misguided romantic advances, all leading to an array of confusion for the bumbling hapless professor Dr. Myron Amberworth (played by Lon Haber) and everyone in his midst.

The Playwright
"Next Stop Murder" is just one of many original plays written by Los Angeles playwright Frank Semerano. Semerano has become very much in demand over the past decade and has written more than a dozen plays including "A Vampire Reflects" and "Kaputnik". He has authored such hits as "The Attempted Murder of Peggy Sweetwater", "Thataway Jack", "The Tangled Snarl", and "Murder Me Once". Semerano's work has attracted such A-list directors as James Reynolds.

The Director and Producer
"Next Stop Murder" will be Aura Figueiredo's directorial debut. Figueiredo is a long time staple of the theatre and entertainment scene in both the U.S. and Canada. She has a history and knack for producing as well as acting, having trained extensively with such notable performers and coaches like the late screen legend, Tracey Roberts. Figueiredo currently has 2 additional stage and feature film projects underway.

The Cast
Figueiredo was highly selective in putting together a stellar cast. Dr. Myron Amberworth is played by Lon Haber, who has been seen on stage and screen since the age of six. This "Broadway Brat" has been seen in everything from "Cabaret" at Studio 54 in New York to "Sing Like No One's Listening" at the Odyssey Theater in L.A. He is currently in production on an feature film and comes jam-packed with experience in comedic improvisation. Kelsa Kinsly, a newcomer to L.A. but certainly not to the industry, has extensive credits under her belt in theater, film,TV and radio. Michelle Ann Owens, a session singer, songwriter & voice over actress, has been featured extensively on "Hit Me Baby One More Time", "All-American Girl", "My Scene Goes Hollywood", and two national spots for "Barbie" games ". Marc Ian Sklar has appeared in numerous productions including the L.A. premier of "Dirty Laundry", "Pantheon", and "Go Ask Alice". Marc co-wrote the book and lyrics to" Miss Desmond Behind Bars", a musical parody of "Sunset Blvd". Alison McMillan has starred in two of Mr. Semerano's previously produced and published plays. Some of her TV credits include "Days Of Our Lives", "Hearts Afire", and "Mr. Belvedere". Ian Madeira has a strong theater background having recently finished a production of "Marat/Sade" at the Underground Theater in Hollywood.

With such a well rounded and experienced cast, Ms. Figueiredo's directing, and Mr. Semerano's writing, this comedic farce will prove to be a night full of laughs, entertainment, and fun!
"Next Stop Murder" is produced by Picture Films, Inc., in association with The Gene Bua Acting for Life Theater, Set./Production/light design by Julie Simpson; Stage Manager is Wes Toma, and Sound Design by Tommy Francis.

The show runs for six weeks, starting April 14, at the Gene Bua Acting for Life Theater, 3435 West Magnolia Blvd. Burbank, CA 91505. Friday and Saturday show times are at 8pm; Sunday matinees at 3pm. Ticket price is $20 for Adults; $15 for Seniors and Students. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance by calling the reservations line at (818) 206-4206 or e-mail