Vera Barton-Maxwell
Actress emeritus & co-founder. Principal in the first 15 MTU shows; returned for later revivals and understudies.
Vera has been a cornerstone of the company since its founding. Beyond MTU, she has acted or directed at Towngate Theatre, Wheeling Jesuit University, and more, with credits including Noises Off, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Sunshine Boys, The Gingerbread Lady, Man of La Mancha, and Cabaret. She has also appeared widely in regional theatre, commercials, and other media.
Mystery Theatre Credits
As principal actor:
- Shirley Laverne — Speakeasy, Die Hard (1996–2016)
- Connie Mackel — Take Me Out of the Ball Game (1996)
- Mrs. Claus — Slay Ride (1996, 1997, 2017)
- Eileen Wright — Variety Is the Spice of Death (1997)
- Penny VaanCash — A Medium for Murder (1997)
- Linda Eastman McCartney — Happiness Is a Warm Gun (1997)
- Jacqueline St. Coquille — Recipe for Murder (1997)
- Sallie Mae — Shoot-Out at the Double-U Dude Ranch (1997)
- Bambi McHooter — Salon, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, You’re Dead (1998, 2010 revival)
- Hattie Donovan — Il Morte di Figaro (1998)
- Tammy Cash — Murder in the Mansion Museum (1998)
- Wynonna — You Bet Jurassic He’s Dead (1998)
- Mrs. Claus — Slay Ride 2: Fright Christmas (1998, 2013)
- Margarita — Avast Ye Murderous Swabs (1999)
- Princess Nikki Ophelia — The Tragic Death of Alfred the Squatty (1999)
- Mrs. Claus — Slay Ride 6 (2003, 2021)
- Hellary Quentin — Dead of State (2016)
- Tammy Cash — My Big Fat Reality Wedding (2017)
- Scary Godmother — Happily Never After (2023 revival)
As understudy:
- Loretta LaDiva — The Case of the Ms. and the Show Biz Whiz (2000)
- Katherine DePravia — One Life to Lose (2003)
- Honeydew Thistlewhistle — Tales from the Script (2003, 2004, 2007, 2010)
- Elfish Prezley — Slay Ride IV (2004)
- Misty Storm — Murder at the Kit Kat Klub (2006)
- Colette — Mind Over Murder (2009)
- Binaca — Rock ’em Dead (2010)
- Tammy Cash — Overture for an Undertaker (2014)
- Calamity Joan — How the West Was Dumb (2014)
The Mystery Theatre Unlimited, at various times, features:
Emeritus Members
Others Who Have Appeared with the Company
Last updated: October 16, 2025