At Jest Murder Mystery Co. we pride ourselves on our talented and experienced local St. Louis entertainers who bring our murder mystery shows to life. Our team is made up of skilled performers who are passionate about creating a fun and engaging experience for our audiences. Here’s a little bit about some of our talented actors.
MaryBeth has been acting in theatre, film and television for over 35 years. She is the creator and artistic director of The Actors’ Attic in Columbia, IL where she directs over 12 shows per year. After a 15 year stint in Los Angeles, she moved back to the St. Louis metro area to raise her kids.
A proud member of SAG-AFTRA, she misses opportunities to do fun television gigs like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She has been happily performing for Jest Murder Mystery Co. for over 13 years.
Ed Reggi hails from the Big Apple but calls the Midwest home. He’s been making audiences laugh for 20 years. He cut his comedy teeth studying at Second City in Chicago.
Ed is an Acting Professor at Southern Illinois University and he’s the founder of Paper Slip Theatre, the longest-running improv company in St. Louis, MO. You can also catch Ed Reggi on Oprah Winfrey’s reality show, WELCOME TO SWEETIE PIES. Visit www.edreggi.com
Tina has recently relocated to St. Louis from Branson, Missouri where she performed for 14 years. Career highlights include: vocalist with the USO of Metropolitan New York, premiere cast of “Hey Mr. Producer!” in New York City with Sir Cameron Mackintosh and Lead Vocalist for Greg Thompson Productions at Harrah’s Casino in Reno, NV.
She is the Executive Director of Forte Theatre Productions. tinacoolanderson.com
Andy Vieluf is from Las Vegas, NV. Billing himself as a “Professional Weirdo” across the west coast, Andy’s “jack of all trades” entertainment style includes things like music, magic, clowning, fire arts, and so much more.
Andy spent 2 years as a Blue Man in Blue Man Group Las Vegas. He has been in films Transformers, Ted 2, Yes Man, and Paul Blart: Mall Cop, and television shows Shipping Wars (A&E), Entourage (HBO), and Bar Rescue (SpikeTV).
Essence is an artist originally from St. Louis, Missouri. She is grateful for the opportunity be apart of this production. She thanks her support system for believing in her and continuing to support her along this journey. “A laugh a day keeps the doctor away!”
Chris Powers is originally from Hot Springs, the cheese-sauce-filled heart of Arkansas. He graduated from Western Kentucky University where he inadvertently majored and minored in theatre.
Obviously, teaching was the next course of action. He taught the theatrical arts, founded a black-box theatre and improv troupes ins his hometown.
Chris moved to St. Louis in 2014 and has been “working” for Jest Murder Mysteries ever since.
Brittani O’Connell is a St. Louis Native but has performed internationally in various theatrical and film projects. She holds a B.A. in Theatre from MBU, is an Open Jar Residency of NYC alumni, and studied at the Stunt Performers Academy in LA, specializing in high falls and fighting for the camera.
When she is not performing, she is building her own fitness coaching business as a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Behavioral Change Specialist. Always grateful.
George is a native St. Louis actor, comedian, magician, and father. He has starred Sky Masterson in “Guys and Dolls” and Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland”(Monroe Actors Stage Company) earning an AFL nomination for both performances. He won an AFL award for Best Lead Actor for his Frank N Furter in ” Rocky Horror Show” (Alfresco Theater)
George cameoed in the movie “Proximity” directed by Dan Steadman and starring St. Louis Cardinal Adam Wainwright.
Ashley Knaack is a BFA Musical Theatre graduate of Shenandoah Conservatory. Past credits include Juliet’s Nurse in Romeo and Juliet with Commonwealth Shakespeare, Eddie/Dr. Scott in The Rocky Horror Show with YourAct Theatrical, Fraulein Schneider in Shenandoah Conservatory’s Cabaret, and Margery in the developmental reading of In the Tent of Stars, a new musical by John Goldsberry.
Ashley is also featured on the demo album of Trebles in Paradise, a new musical by Jenny Citarelli and Coryn May.
Matt Bender is a performing artist and educator who cut his teeth in Chicago’s storefront theatre scene. He holds an M.F.A. in Theatre Performance from Western Illinois University, and has worked as an actor, director, movement/fight director, and educator in regional and educational theatre.
From calling pig races for farmers at county fairs to entertaining crowds in the Superdome, Matt has never lost his love of bringing joy to live audiences, no matter the size.
Angie Sebben Frick holds a BA in Theatre and Dance, an AA in Film, and an IDK in what she wants for dinner.
She was a three time Irene Ryan nominee and sat on the board of directors at the historic Theatre Guild of Webster Groves. Favorite roles include: Jeannie/Fat Pig (SLCC), Dorine/Tartuffe (SLCC), Eva/Absurd Person Singular (TGWG), performing improv (Alfresco) and in 24/7 festivals, and of course all of the colorful characters she plays at Jest.
Joe Schimsa is a full time Cat dad, as well as a full time actor. He has received his BFA in Musical Theatre from Southeast Missouri State University, and has been performing at Six Flags St. Louis for 6 years.
Some of his favorite roles he has done in the past include Cardinal Richelieu/Three Musketeers, Sweaty Eddie/Sister Act, and Ebb/ Red Garter Revue. He has been performing since his freshman year of High School, and was so taken by the theatre bug that he hasn’t stopped.
Sarah Lantsberger is a recent college graduate from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a Bachelors Degree focused in Theatre Performance. After graduating in her parent’s living room, she has started working at COCA located in UCity.
Most recently, you may have seen her in Assassins with Fly North Theatrics playing Sam Byck/Emma Goldman!