‘Casablanca Intrigue’ launches Amado Inn fall mystery series

Journey back to the world of the war-torn 1940s to the land of French Morocco and the Kasbah in “Casablanca Intrigue,” a new Mystery By Design production. The play, directed by Green Valley’s Pamela Reeder, opens the fall mystery series dinner season in the atrium at the Amado Territory Inn.’

The mystery, written by California playwright Katie Hassett, a longtime friend of the director’s, is set in Casablanca, one of the last remaining free ports where refugees from the devastated countries of Europe attempt to escape the Nazis by obtaining exit visas—by legal means or via the black market—to gain entrance for the free world.

The story takes place in Nick’s Alcazar Gambling Palace, a casino located in the heart of the Kasbah, where the nefarious congregate, including Abdul, the mysterious peddler.

“There is no similarity to anyone living or dead in our tongue-in-cheek plot—there is a small amount of depth,” says Reeder, who calls the play a takeoff on the film classic and said it features some of the same characters.

And, yes, she says, the music does include a lot of “As Time Goes By.”

“Judy Verwys is Sam the piano player and you can be certain she will “play it again and again,” Reeder says.

A veteran director with more than 30 years as an actress and director in California and Green Valley, Reeder serves up the usual excellent menu of mystery, murder and music. Costumes feature the distinctive 40s fashions for the leading ladies, a French police uniform and other period attire, with close attention to detail.

As usual, Reeder’s husband of 40 years is co-producing the show with his wife. A retired builder, Jack Reeder is more than a just a little handy in building sets and props.

Actors in the production are Stan Stein of Sahuarita, as Inspector Louis, Jerry Brader as Major Heinz, Tom Curran as Sir Hartley, Elizabeth Raybould as Madelaine Hattari, Susan Sader as Marsha Heath, and David Sader as Nick Sonata, owner of the casino.

Opening night is Sept. 21 with shows Sept. 22, 28, 29 ; Oct. 26 and 27; Nov. 9,10, 16. 17, and 30; and Dec. 1, 7, 14, 15.

A matinee show will be announced later.

The price of $35 per person includes happy hour and hors d’oeuvres, starting at 5:30 p.m. The dinner and show begin at 6 p.m.

For reservations and more information call the Amado Territory Inn (520- 398-8684.

kengle@gvnews.com| 547-9732