KOLT Run Creations  hosted a full house at Ooley Theater during the opening weekend of “Crime and Punishment.”

The theatrical performance features local actors Brian Rife, Patrick Murphy and Kelley Ogden. Rife plays Raskolnikov, the protagonist guilty of murdering two women, while Murphy and Ogden play a variety of characters throughout the show.

Having three actors play seven characters is not as distracting as it seems. The actors do a good job transitioning into different roles. They also have great facial expressions along with changes in pitch that help differentiate characters.

Audience member Penny Kline Meagher said she felt that Ogden did a good job in her transitions.

“I liked the way that Kelly Ogden played the characters,” she said, adding that her body language and eye contact were superb. “It was a clear distinction between the characters.”

Ogden performs Sonia, a prostitute who falls in love with Raskolnikov, as well as an old pawnbroker, the old pawnbroker's sister, Lizaveta Ivanovna, and the voice of Raskolnikov’s mother.

Along with the character changes, art directors Liza Thew and Ogden decided to include a unique element that no other “Crime and

Punishment” showings have used before. Patrick Claypool, a student violinist, performs throughout the show. Audience members enjoyed the creativity.

“To me the violin is one of the instruments closest to the human voice and the human soul,” attendee Robin Henson said, adding that no other instrument could probably make a greater impact. “In that sense it added to the drama. Not just the player, but the whole violin was a character on its own.”

The violin is a great touch, especially since the background scenery and stage does not change. And even though the stage and theater are small, the closeness allows cast members to interact with the audience, which many appreciated.

“The purpose of the play is to make a point to (the audience) and not simply make a screen full of information that you just watch,” Henson said.

The show will go through Feb. 13. Performances will be Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15.

For more information, visit koltruncreations.com.