Former Publications Director Wins Awards for Play

Dr. Elizabeth Shear Orndorff, publications director at Westminster College from 1981-1985, received an "Angie" award for Best New Play at the International Mystery Writers Festival in Owensboro, Ky. The award was given by actress Angela Lansbury via television hookup during the closing gala ceremony.

Orndorff's first stage play, "Death by Darkness" was written specifically as an entry for the festival. Set in 1841, it takes place in the Star Chamber of Kentucky's Mammoth Cave. A cast of characters is led on a mysterious journey into the depths of the earth and the depths of existence, where they are confronted with murder, revenge, and a world unlike anyone has ever seen. The play was one of six chosen from 1,000 submissions to be performed during the weeklong festival at the RiverPark Center.

In addition to the Angie award, Orndorff won recognition and a cash prize as Most Promising New Writer. The play garnered Best Actor status for John Frazier and Best Costume Design for Christine Pascual, making it the most honored at the festival.

Dr. James A. Perkins, Westminster professor of English, traveled to Owensboro with his wife, Jane, and Dr. Joseph B. Fusco, professor of physical education emeritus, and his wife, Gail, for the premiere of the play.

"The play was well-crafted, humorous and compelling," said Perkins. "Elizabeth did serious research on the history of Mammoth Cave. Then she let her own twisted view of mankind shine through. It is a wonderful play."

An earlier Orndorff work, "The Bathroom Cleaner," was presented at the 2006 Juneteenth Jamboree and received the Power of Purpose award, which recognizes the author's call to action for a positive purpose. Her works have been excerpted for performances during the Kentucky Human Rights Commission's Civil Rights Hall of Fame inductions and a Juneteenth Legacy Theatre fundraiser. A long-time resident of Kentucky, Orndorff has been a college public relations director, an advertising agency copywriter and director, and a university publications director.

Contact Perkins at (724) 946-7347 or e-mail jperkins@westminster.edu for additional information.

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