Murder mystery dinner theatre held at Delmarva Christian High

Delmarva Christian High School's performing arts students held their inaugural dinner theatre Nov. 3-4. Directed by DCHS performing arts teacher Jonathan Douglas, the students developed and performed the ambiguously titled production "Blue Hen County Community Theatre's Absolutely Fabulous Presentation of 'Three Doors to Death' Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre Opening Night: The Choice Is Yours."

The production began with a welcome from the director of a small community theater group. Immediately following, the actors take to the stage to perform a murder mystery but soon find themselves in a murder mystery when the lead actor dies in the midst of the first scene. Questions and accusations fly as the actors work with the audience to determine the murderer of their fellow actor.

"The goal of the production was to provide a way for the audience to interact with the characters in the play. We did this by creating a play within a play," said Douglas. "We created a fake community theatre group who, while trying to put on a dinner theatre murder mystery, must cast aside their acting roles to work with the 'police' and audience to solve a 'real' murder."

In all, 12 performing arts students and eight student volunteers provided hilarious entertainment and served a delicious dinner to over 175 guests throughout the two performances. Main characters included DCHS sophomore Hope Kline as Blue Hen County Community Theatre Director Jeannette Marsh, DCHS junior Alex Lloyd-Wood as Lead Actor Gordon Forrest, DCHS senior Emily Lester as Actress Phyllis Love, DCHS senior Zeb Thomas as Actor Paul Westerfield, DCHS senior Megan Bradley as Actress Audrey Thaxter, DCHS junior Carina Christenbury as Stage Manager Barbara Wood and Logan Reichelt as the Detective.

"Going into the show we were very nervous, but all in all, everyone felt the dinner theater was a hit," said Emily Lester. "It was great having everyone work together behind the scenes. And, even though it was challenging, it was exciting to watch everyone's great acting and improv skills be put to the test at the ending of each show."

Completing the evening was food prepared by Marilyn's Catering, DCHS administrative assistant Pip Craig, and DCHS parent volunteer Kristen Lloyd-Wood.

Delmarva Christian Schools Performing Arts Program seeks to serve the student body, faculty, families, and community by sharing the message of redemption. Each performance is meant to first and foremost bring praise and honor to Jesus Christ, and second, lead its participants and audience on a journey to the cross.

For more information, call 302-856-4040 or go to www.delmarvachristian.com.