By Liz Beavers
lbeavers@newstribune.info
managing editor
KEYSER — In the wake of two extremely successful dinner theaters in as many years, Keyser’s community theater group is presenting an interactive murder mystery in a dinner theater format at The Pines next weekend.
“Death by Chocolate” tells the story of three final contestants who gather for No Cal Dairy’s National Candy Making Contest, vying for the honor of having the best new chocolate candy in the land — not to mention a $10,000 prize .
The sweet competition takes an unexpected turn, however, when someone dies.
Sub-plots begin to unfold and relationships and motives are disclosed, and help is sought from the audience as the chocolate makers try to figure out who the perpetrator of the murder is.
Presented by Apple Alley Players, “Death by Chocolate” was written and directed by AAP Alum JoAnn Peterson, who last appeared with the local theater group as Marian the Librarian in an outdoor production of “The Music Man” several years ago.
The production will feature several popular local actors in the key roles: Ron Growden as George
Washington Greene, the master chocolate taste tester and judge; Charlotte Nicholson as Martha Custiss
Greene, George’s sister and fellow taste tester; Jessica Growden as Jackie Coco, the owner of Chocoholics Anonymous Gourmet Shoppe; Peterson as Cindy Cramer, co-owner of Chez
Chocolat; Ken Musgrave as Kevin Cramer, Cindy’s wimpy husband; and Larry Myers as the good-looking security guard.
Three additional characters — Jeff Goldthumb, another taste tester and judge; Ginger Moore, a big flirt; and Ashley Abernathy, a contestant — will be chosen from the audience each night and given their lines to read as part of the show.
Audience members will also have the opportunity to add up the clues and help solve the mystery. Prizes will be awarded.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children and the menu is a choice of stuffed chicken with cornbread stuffing or boneless pork chop with orange marmalade glaze. A children’s menu will be available.
Tickets are being sold in advance at The Pines.
For further information, or to reserve tickets, call The Pines at (304) 788-1671.
