By Kristy Smith
Athens Community Theater (ACT) is offering an upcoming fall treat at its Quonset Hut Theater. An original play, “Who Killed Zeus,” by ACT troupe member Noble Vater will premiere Nov.14-16, 2025. The three-act production also marks Vater’s foray into directing.
“Who Killed Zeus” is a cerebral whodunit that Vater, 23, of Battle Creek, characterizes as a drama with dark and suspenseful elements, as well as some comedic moments. It’s set in a bar where mythological gods hang out and the entanglements among the other-worldly beings are surprisingly human.
The cast consists of Shannon Kenyon as Hades, Kati Woodward as Hera, Libby Cowles as Athena, Alison Price as Persephone, Brad Kenyon as Dionysus, John Vater (Noble’s younger brother) as Hermes, Nevaeh Enlow as Ares, and Samantha Fick as Themis, the story’s detective. This is John Vater’s first stage production acting. Cowles is new to the Quonset Hut stage, but brings experience from the Marshall Civic and KCC’s Binda theaters.
Roseann Kenyon is serving as stage manager; Linda Kenyon and Sarah Fick comprise the stage crew; Linda Kenyon is doing make-up; and Nick Enlow is handling sound and lighting.
“Noble is doing well as a writer and director” acknowledges ACT frequent director and Zeus cast member Brad Kenyon. “He’s written a solid script, but he’s remained flexible with it. He has a good, sound vision for how the story goes, but he’s not afraid to make changes. And he’s been nudging us in good directions.”
Cast member Shannon Kenyon is also happy Vater is not too married to the script he crafted to allow the cast to “make changes to it to make the show better.” It’s about the show, not about Vater.
“Who Killed Zeus” took Vater about six months to write. In addition to the script, he also wrote the theme music for the production, was involved with set and sound design, props acquisition and social media for the show. “It’s a lot of stress,” he admitted. “I will probably write another play, but I’m not sure about directing.” He has also appeared in several previous ACT productions.
Performances will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14; 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15; and 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. Admission is $10 per person. Concessions by “The Popcorn Lady” Sarah Jordan-Grubb will be featured. The Quonset Hut Theater is located at 132 N. Capital Avenue in downtown Athens. For additional information, call 269-729-5278.
Athens Community Theater (ACT) is offering an upcoming fall treat at its Quonset Hut Theater. An original play, “Who Killed Zeus,” by ACT troupe member Noble Vater will premiere Nov.14-16, 2025. The three-act production also marks Vater’s foray into directing.
“Who Killed Zeus” is a cerebral whodunit that Vater, 23, of Battle Creek, characterizes as a drama with dark and suspenseful elements, as well as some comedic moments. It’s set in a bar where mythological gods hang out and the entanglements among the other-worldly beings are surprisingly human.
The cast consists of Shannon Kenyon as Hades, Kati Woodward as Hera, Libby Cowles as Athena, Alison Price as Persephone, Brad Kenyon as Dionysus, John Vater (Noble’s younger brother) as Hermes, Nevaeh Enlow as Ares, and Samantha Fick as Themis, the story’s detective. This is John Vater’s first stage production acting. Cowles is new to the Quonset Hut stage, but brings experience from the Marshall Civic and KCC’s Binda theaters.
Roseann Kenyon is serving as stage manager; Linda Kenyon and Sarah Fick comprise the stage crew; Linda Kenyon is doing make-up; and Nick Enlow is handling sound and lighting.
“Noble is doing well as a writer and director” acknowledges ACT frequent director and Zeus cast member Brad Kenyon. “He’s written a solid script, but he’s remained flexible with it. He has a good, sound vision for how the story goes, but he’s not afraid to make changes. And he’s been nudging us in good directions.”
Cast member Shannon Kenyon is also happy Vater is not too married to the script he crafted to allow the cast to “make changes to it to make the show better.” It’s about the show, not about Vater.
“Who Killed Zeus” took Vater about six months to write. In addition to the script, he also wrote the theme music for the production, was involved with set and sound design, props acquisition and social media for the show. “It’s a lot of stress,” he admitted. “I will probably write another play, but I’m not sure about directing.” He has also appeared in several previous ACT productions.
Performances will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14; 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15; and 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. Admission is $10 per person. Concessions by “The Popcorn Lady” Sarah Jordan-Grubb will be featured. The Quonset Hut Theater is located at 132 N. Capital Avenue in downtown Athens. For additional information, call 269-729-5278.
Pondering who was responsible for the death of Zeus during a rehearsal are (left to right) John Vater, Shannon Kenyon, Samantha Fick, Brad Kenyon, and Libby Cowles.
