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RUMFORD — The Rumford Association for the Advancement of Performing Arts will bring back its popular Murder Mystery Dinner Theater for the fifth season Friday, June 21, and Saturday, June 22, at the Fraternal Order of Eagles hall,129 Rumford Ave.
In “Talk about a Murder!” written by Lee Mueller, the “Ricky & Nickie Rivers” cable talk show is taking its production on the road stopping in Rumford to broadcast LIVE on the air, and it’s going to be a bumpy ride. You’ll meet a line-up of hilarious and pathetic guests all plugging their own cable TV reality shows. Of course, someone is murdered, and the talk show turns into a full out investigation to find the killer (who could be still on set). But who is it? How did they carry out the crime? Everyone is a suspect, and once again, the audience will be asked for help in solving the crime.
The cost is $30 per person and includes the play, choral performance, hors d’oeuvres, full course dinner, dessert and gratuities. Tickets are on sale, and the deadline for reservations is June 16.
In the comical two-act murder mystery play, Steve Borstelmann and Debbie Moon are talk show hosts Ricky and Nickie Rivers.
Their “D” list guests include failed Las Vegas singing duo Shecky Scagnetti (Wayne Landry) and Edie Buffet (Alica Hagan), anti-feminist home economist Phoebe St. Self (Gail Parent), new age spiritualist and guru Celeste Ethereal (Adrienne Graffe), and self-centered gossip columnist Polly Pettegolo (Erica Rickards).
To help solve the crime are Buzz Beckett, a “by the book” cop (T.J. Riddick), and Candy Kafka, a smart, yet cunning bodyguard (Sarahmarie Gervais). Other suspects include the stagehand, a crime show enthusiast (Alan Hagen), the show’s mysterious announcer (Anita Murphy) and audience warmer (Mary Pulsifer).
The production will be directed by RAAPA veteran Connie Venskus. As in past productions, the RAAPA Chorus, under the direction of Gail Dorr, will perform a variety of songs in an entertaining Entre Act including, “Happy Together (by The Turtles), “I’m A Believer” (from “Shrek”), “A Million Dreams” (from “The Greatest Showman”) and a medley from the Broadway classic, “The Phantom of the Opera.”
A Rumford area favorite, this murder mystery/choral experience includes a full sit-down dinner which will include bacon-wrapped pork loin, mashed potatoes and gravy, carrots, corn, dinner rolls, tossed salad, and a scrumptious brownie sundae dessert.
A vegetarian entrée is available by request. Coffee and tea will be provided at no additional charge. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase throughout the night. Doors open at 5 p.m. for a one-hour social hour with cash bar and hors d’oeuvres. The dinner and show will start promptly at 6 p.m.
Reservations can be made by calling Anita Murphy at 207-369-0205.
PHOTO: The cast of “Talk about a Murder!” seated, from left, Anita Murphy, Erica Rickards, Adrianne Graffe, Alica Hagen & Wayne Landry; standing, Debbie Moon, Steve Borstelmann, Mary Pulsifer, Allan Hagen, T. J. Riddick and Sarahmarie Gervais. Gail Parent is also a cast member.(Submitted photo)
