Mar 29, 2012


Photo: Lady Astoria (Elizabeth Taylor) performed in Candidate for Death at the Verona Lions hall on March 24

That was the question occupying guests at the Verona Lions hall on the evening of March 24 as over 80 guests joined forces to solve a murder that took place right under their noses while they dined.

The event was the second annual Murder Mystery Dinner fundraiser put on by Kingston's Partners in Crime as a fundraiser for the Verona Lions, and judging by the turnout, it seems that everyone loves a good meal accompanied by a good live murder mystery. Darlene Slack, who heads up the entertainment committee for the Verona Lions, brought the event back to Verona for its second year and it attracted guests from as far away as Peterborough, Napanee and Belleville. “The event was such a success last year that we decided to do it again,” she said.

Also back by popular demand was a sumptuous roast beef dinner put on by local caterer Joyce Casement. Diners began the evening with drinks and hors d'oeuvres in a pre-show cocktail hour and were peppered with clues from the get-go. Prior to tucking into their meal, the six-member cast of Richard Linley's mystery, titled “Candidate for Death” set up the back story about a London, UK, MP Daniel Lowt, played by Bob Lawton (who also directed), who was caught soliciting the services of an undercover police constable. This led members of his local party association to push him aside as a candidate in an upcoming election. At a party benefit dinner that follows, party rebels openly challenge MP Lowt in a contest for the candidacy that quickly gets ugly and ends in murder.

Well-known Verona actor, Dick Miller, who has been involved in Partners in Crime since its inception 20 years ago, played Inspector Eustace Guildhall.

By the time dessert was served, a number of short scenes had taken place through the dinner hour and most of the critical action had unfolded. Diners grouped at over a dozen large circular tables joined forces to try to determine the culprit, his or her motive and how the victim was murdered.

Ila Lawton, who produced and stage managed the show, said she and her cast love putting on the shows, which often serve as fundraisers for various community groups. “It's a real hoot for us to do and this Verona crowd is especially enthusiastic, which makes it a lot of fun for us.”

Proceeds from the event will be used by the Lions to support their many programs in the community and beyond including Camp Dorset, an Ontario resort that provides care and support to patients undergoing kidney dialysis treatments.

For more information about Partners in Crime visit www.partnersincrime.ca, or call 613-353-6111

 

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