Murders & Moontowers
by Crank Collective
Feb. 18 - Feb. 27, 2016
Thursdays-Saturdays
In the 1880s, Austin was in the grip of crime, corruption and mayhem. Seven women were murdered over the course of one year, overwhelming the fledgling police force. The crime spree led to hysteria, vigilante justice, construction of the “Moontowers,” and now — 130 years later — a musical comedy with live band.
The newest addition to the “Texas History Musicals” series – coming after Crank Collective’s The True Story of Bonnie and Clyde, and Boomtown — Murders and Moontowers follows the frantic investigation of the “Servant Girl Annihilator” case. This one-hour musical explores the events that led to a scandal-ridden trial, the electrification of the city and construction of giant, iconic “Moonlight Towers” to illuminate the town. Murders and Moontowers takes an irreverent look at the corrupt detectives, crazed citizenry, and outrageous court case that roiled the capital city 130 years ago.
About the “Servant Girl Annihilator”
During 1885, Austin, Texas was terrorized by an elusive killer called the “Servant Girl Annihilator”. Originally thought to be the work of a criminal gang, robberies, assaults and murders plagued the capital city during a one-year period. The crime spree culminated with two killings on Christmas Eve and a notorious trial. Responsibility for the crimes was never proven conclusively, and some link the killer to the infamous Jack the Ripper. To this day, there is still much speculation as to the true culprit.
Cast and Ensemble
Cast includes Kera Blay, Candice Carr, Donald Evans, Carl Guthrie, Josh Meindertsma, Matt Melton, Megan Ortiz, Rachel Pallante, and Donald Stewart. Musicians include Mikey Walters, Chris La Cava, John Cecil, and Jonathan Hoyle.
Click for feature at Texas Lifestyle magazine, February 18, 2016
Murders & Moontowers
by John Cecil and ensemble
Crank Collective
February 18 - February 27, 2016
February 18th – 27th, Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m.
Doughtery Arts Center Theater, 1110 Barton Springs Rd
Tickets $10 - $20 plus handling fee via