In the heart of Charlotte County, where civic engagement and creativity often walk hand-in-hand, the St. Croix Theatre Company is staging more than just a show. With its latest production—Laura Teasdale’s Murder by the Book—this community troupe is blending comedy, culture, and charity in a way that’s quintessentially small-town and powerfully resonant.

Running April 25–27 in St. Stephen at the St. Stephen Middle School and May 2–4 in St. Andrews at the WC O’Neill Theatre, the production delivers laughs and literary allusions in equal measure. But it also carries a deeper purpose: every ticket sold supports the public libraries in both towns—essential institutions at the heart of civic life in rural New Brunswick.

“We’re doing it for the libraries because they always need support,” says co-director Bert Deveau, a longtime local theatre advocate. “They’ve got all these community programs and supplies they need to cover—this helps them keep doing that.”

Murder by the Book is a comedy set in a library, with a playful “play within a play” structure. Nods to classic mystery icons like Sherlock Holmes and Miss Marple abound, making the production as much a tribute to literary sleuths as it is a theatrical romp.

But perhaps the real mystery is how a group of volunteers from across the region—St. George, St. Andrews, and St. Stephen among them—consistently pulls off such ambitious productions with limited resources and an abundance of heart.

“One actor plays six different characters, plus himself,” Deveau says with a laugh, highlighting the cast’s remarkable versatility. A mix of veteran performers and newcomers creates a spirit of mentorship and camaraderie that shines through on and off stage.

“They all work together—it’s really something special,” he adds. “Seasoned actors step in when someone forgets a line. It’s a beautiful thing to watch.”

Indeed, the production process has become a kind of civic act in itself: a model of collaboration, adaptability, and mutual support. Rehearsals have turned into a space where people of all ages share stories, skills, and stage fright—building not just a play, but a community.

“There’s one guy who’s been acting since the ’90s alongside someone doing their very first role,” Deveau says. “They find common ground and become friends. It’s incredible.”

Choosing a comedy was a deliberate decision. “Life is too serious right now,” Deveau notes. “We wanted to give people something light. We don’t need a heavy drama—we need a night to laugh.”

That instinct—to read the room, so to speak—is part of what makes the St. Croix Theatre Company such an asset. In choosing to uplift the community through humour and support for public libraries, the troupe continues a proud tradition of rural theatre as both entertainment and social glue.

For Deveau, the process is as rewarding as the performance. “It makes me appreciate people in a different way,” he says. “To see how much private time they give up for this—just to bring something joyful to others—it’s inspiring.”

With tickets priced at $20 and available at local outlets (Ganong Chocolatier, OK Tire, and Cockburn’s Corner Drugstore), as well as at the door, the production is both accessible and purpose-driven. As opening night approaches, Deveau hopes the community will show up—not just for the laughs, but for the love of local.

“Come out and enjoy yourself,” he says. “You’ll laugh. You’ll support your library. And you’ll see what happens when a community comes together.”

And in Charlotte County, that’s always worth the price of admission.