Footlight Players present ‘Murder at the Banquet’

Green Valley News

Well-known local director Pamela Reeder, whose last hit was the production of the musical “Anything Goes” last spring for the Valley Players, will present a musical  murder mystery, this month at the Amado Territory Inn.

“Murder at the Banquet” allows the audience to become part of the show as retired detectives (some with famous ancestors, such as Sherlock Holmes) attend the International Association of Mystery Solvers annual award banquet.

Pay very close attention in that first act, when one cast member bites the dust. From there on, the show is a fun free-for-all that will keep the audience guessing all along, as they try to solve the crimes.

Opening night is May 11 at the Amado Territory  Ranch and champagne will flow following the show as the audience gets to mingle and schmooze with the cast.

Happy hour starts at 5:30 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres, followed by a three-course dinner and show at  6 p.m. A $35 charge includes dinner, show, tax and tip. Reservations can be made at (520) 398-8684.

For those interested in an overnight stay at the Inn, including breakfast, dinner and show, the price is $150 per couple.

The energetic, talented cast includes David and Susan Sader as Jenny Watson, a sleuth with a grudge who protests her ancestor’s role as Sherlock Holmes’ sidekick, and Foster Holmes, a flippant detective  resting on the laurels of his famous ancestor.

Bobbe Trunzo portrays the glamorous French detective Claudette Pindu and, with exquisite comedy timing,  Elizabeth Raybould tackles the role of British mystery-solver Agatha Preakness, a takeoff on Agatha Christie.

Rounding out the cast is Valley Players’ veteran Jerry Brader as Chief Stanton, a retired private eye, and Stan Stein as Capt. Nathan Wimberley, the upper-crust British president of the International Association of Mystery Solvers.

Cindy Clark, pianist, will provide the music.

Reeder started the Mystery Theater at the Amado Inn six years   ago. In addition to directing many local productions, she had an impressive stage career during  her days in California.

Her favorite roles include Mrs. Higgings in “My Fair Lady” and Madame Armfeld in “A Little Night Music.”

Dinner show dates are May 11-12, May 18-19, May 25-26, June 1-2, June 8-9, June 29-30, July 13-14.

kengle@gvnews.com | 547-9732

Green Valley resident Steve Donahue provided information for this article.