Murder By the Book Dinner Theatre

The Fallston United Methodist Church, Friendship Players Present -

“Murder by the Book” -- By Craig Sodaro
Produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service Inc., Englewood, Colorado

Go to http://fp19.ezevent.com for tickets.

What happens when some of the world’s greatest writers get together? Murder, that’s what! The Raven Society is holding its annual meeting to select the best mystery book of the year to win the coveted Smoking Gun Award. Because of the prestige of the prize, the membership in this sacred club is secret, even amongst themselves. Each member attends the three day meeting, cut off from the rest of the world at the Dickens House, disguised as a famous author. This year, Edgar Allan Poe introduces a dashing upstart, William Shakespeare, as a new member to replace the recently departed Jules Verne. Spouting poetry, Will instantly captures the hearts of Mary Shelley, Charlotte Bronte and Louisa Mae Alcott. But romance is interrupted when Poe reads a nasty bit of correspondence announcing that each member of the society will die. Only mystery maven Agatha Christie takes the message seriously, but, alas, it’s too late. Only one thing is for sure — one of the famous authors is trying to kill the competition!

The Friendship Players are a diverse group of interested people that met for the first time in the parlor of Fallston United Methodist Church in the mid-1990′s to discuss the possibility of creating a theater troupe to raise funds for the church. The Friendship Players (named after FUMC roots as Friendship Church) performed for the first time in the fall of 1997. This premier dinner theater featured “Down to Earth,” a comedy, forming the foundation for the group’s endeavors and subsequent productions. The Players are “down to earth” (no prima donnas allowed) and talented. The annual event, historically in the fall, features entertaining performances, and a meal that receives rave reviews as well.

In preparation for opening night, the cast and crew rehearse from early July to September, with auditions in April. This span of time allows The Players to build a foundation for the Friendship in their name. The cast comes from the Church and the northern Maryland community, many having experiences elsewhere, including professional troupes. Most come back annually to return to familiar relationships and venue. New actors are always welcomed. The ages have ranged from five to eighty years. The group thrives on the chemistry among the actors and the audience as well.