Who done it? Theatre group plans interactive play

Rogers City Community Theatre presents “Murderous Crossing,” a comedic Agatha Christie- style interactive murder mystery, in partnership with the Waters Edge Restaurant, 530 North Third St., Rogers City, Saturday, May 17.

The first course begins at 5 p.m, when audience members are encouraged to embark on the evening’s festivities with pre-show hors d’oeuvres and an open cash bar (nonalcoholic beverages are included in the ticket price). Cast members will be mingling, so the clue search begins right away! The remainder of the four-course dinner and show begins at 6:30 pm.

Seating is limited. Tickets are currently on sale at the Waters Edge, the Presque Isle County Advance office, and the Rogers City Theater box office, as well as from members of the cast.  The cost for this outstanding show and four-course dinner is $40 per person.  Tables may be reserved, but it is recommended to do so early, as ticket sales have been brisk thus far.

The year is 1923 and the audience members are passengers on board the HMS Victoria as it crosses the English Channel.  The famous inspector Clurrot has tracked down a homicidal mastermind hiding out on board. Meanwhile, the ship is the vessel of matrimony for the Contessa Follette and John D. Rothchild – a marriage encouraged through financial need and murderous greed.  But, not everything is as it seems, and it turns out the English Channel isn’t the only thing being crossed. Audience members will join in the fun as they become members of the bridal party.

The show was written by David Landau, father of the interactive dinner theatre genre, with music and lyrics by Nikki Stern. Valerie Schalk is the production’s director. Cast members include: Robert Starnes III as Father Casse-Cou, the priest, Julie Riddle as Contessa Nicole Follette, the bride, Ed Perrault as Lord Arthur Bennet, the bride’s friend, Robert Starnes IV as Jonathan Rothchild, the groom, Jodi Collins as Vivian Rothchild, the groom’s sister, Mary Lyon as Isabella Coranova, a waitress and gold digger, Denise Perrault as Miss Hastings, the ship’s cruise director, Mike Marx as Howard Krepps, a waiter, and Lawrence

Anderson as Inspector Pierre Clurrot, a detective.

According to the Courier-News, “Audience members were often reduced to helpless laughter!”  Cast member, Jodi Collins said, “We are having a laugh a minute during rehearsals for this show. I’m really enjoying the experience, especially the music.”

The menu for the evening includes hors d’oeuvres of assorted canapés, Caprese salad, main course of shrimp and chicken picatta, and flourless chocolate cake or orange cheesecake for dessert.  Nonalcoholic beverages are included.  A cash bar is available when the various courses are served.

For more information, please call the Waters Edge at 989-734-4747 or the theater box office at 989-734-3861