AMERICAN FALLS — Murder is the name of the game for the American Falls Little Theatre this summer season, although it promises that audience members will be screaming not in horror but laughter with its upcoming production of “Murder at the Howard Johnson’s.”

The theatre will open its curtain this week on the 1979 light-hearted suspense comedy that features a love triangle turning deadly, plenty of twists and alliance shifts, and copious amounts of laughter as planned murders go sideways.

Opening night is July 30, with additional performances held July 31 and Aug. 6, 7 and 8, with doors opening at 7 p.m. and showtime slated for 7:30 p.m. Aug. 8 will also hold a matinee at 1:30 p.m.

Director Jakob Kendall, who has been involved with the American Falls community theatre for over a decade, expressed his gratitude toward all those who have been working hard to make the play a reality, including cast members Lane Dover, Wyatt Morgan and Abby Morgan.

He is also pleased to announce that the theatre will have a full season for 2027, with two plays and two musicals set for next year. Specifics of the lineup will be shared near the tail end of this play’s run.

The announcement promises a return to normalcy after the quarantine tamped down on large group gatherings and stunted the Little Theatre, which relies heavily on volunteers. Since then, the theatre hasn’t been able to bounce back to its full four-production season until now, so Kendall is ecstatic that the tides are finally shifting.

“The American Falls Little Theatre has been a part of the American Falls community for a little over twenty-five years,” Kendall explained. “COVID kind of knocked us out for a little bit, but we’re finally in the stages of opening back up and we welcome the community in and appreciate all of their support over the years and we’re excited to be back.”

To purchase tickets, contact 208-339-0830. The Little Theatre is located at 233 Idaho St.