Actors practice their lines during Monday rehearsals for "The Vultures" comedic play. Live performances will take the stage at 7 p.m., November 6 and 7 and at 2 p.m., November 8, in the Martin W. Kappel Theater, in the Chenango Arts Council building, located at 27 West Main Street, Norwich. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – The Chenango Arts Council will host “The Vultures,” a modern play with a comedic twist on a classic haunted house mystery, directed by Terry Colf and written by Mark A. Ridge.

Showtimes are 7 p.m. November 6 and 7 and 2 p.m. November 8 in the Martin W. Kappel Theater in the Chenango Arts Council building, located at 27 West Main Street, Norwich.

The story follows an eccentric cast of characters competing for a fortune during the reading of a will at Westmount Estate, where murder and mayhem quickly ensue.

The ensemble includes a charming realtor, a handsome male model, a dimwitted nail technician, a bitter old woman, an endearing hairdresser, a mild-mannered accountant, an androgynous housekeeper, an escaped mental patient and a pair of reunited lovers.

“There is kind of a lighthearted inclusion of gay characters and how they fit into the family relationship,” said Norwich Theater Company director and actor Terry Colf.

“This is an adult themed show that reaches out to the LGBTQ community,” he added.

“Rehearsals have been going really well, even with one last minute replacement,” said Colf, thanking Bianca Burton for stepping in at the last minute to take over the nail technician role.

He noted that this week’s rehearsals included two costume and makeup rehearsals and the use of microphones, explaining, “This is what is traditionally known as ‘Hell Week.’”

Colf hopes the audience looks for some hilarious lines here and there and said, “It's a very funny show.”

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.

To purchase tickets, go to norwichtheatercompany.org or visit Moi's City Center Bistro, Service Pharmacy locations in Sherburne and New Berlin, C.S. Miller Books or the Chenango Arts Council.

Chenango Arts Council aims to connect the arts to surrounding communities through dance, theater, classical music and jazz in its 514-seat theater.