CLEARLAKE— After a pandemic related hiatus, the Clearlake Senior Center was finally able to resume their Murder Mystery Dinner Fundraiser June 3 at the Clearlake Senior Center located at 3245 Bowers Ave. The kitchen staff at the Senior Center served a full five course meal to over 50 guests while the cast milled around tables, fully in character, mingling and performing their roles in an election themed “who done it” style play. Clues were collected over dinner and after dessert, everyone cast their vote and the killer was revealed. Much like a classic game of Clue, the murderer was revealed to be the caterer with a gun and poison.
The stage was set in 1930s California during an Irish Worker Party campaign dinner for candidate for governor, where it was all too obvious that he was in collusion with the Godfather of the Irish Mafia for votes. When the dinner was served the lights went out, there was a loud bang, and first to go was the private investigator, who was “shot in the head”. Then again with dessert the lights went out and this time it was the Godfather’s mother who, according to the detective, died by poisoning and everyone had a motive. Was is the Godfather? His brother? The gambling director? There was a table that held collected clues for investigation and the audience deduced it was indeed the caterer.
The dinner was organized by Joyce Overton, executive director of the Senior Center, who also played the role of the murderous caterer. Joyce Adams was the narrator leading the audience along the storyline. The all volunteer cast consisted of District 2 Supervisor Bruno Sabatier who played the candidate for governor alongside Sheriff Brian Martin who accepted the role of the Irish Godfather just a day before the show to fill in for a cast member who unfortunately could not attend. Martin received “Best Actor” award with “Best Actress” going to Amirah Jasser whose role was the Fiancé of the Godfather’s brother who was played by Orin Dyer. Other awards were given out such as “Best Dressed” and “Best Guess”.
The rest of the cast included the gambling operations director played by Rachel Reed and the unfortunate victims who were the private investigator played by Robert Dewalt and the Godfather’s mother played by Brenda Gravesen. Rounding out the cast was the detective played by Anna Gregorian and the Godfather’s bodyguard played by Thomas Dewalt, who also helped write the script for the production. Both Overton and Adams said they were grateful for everyone’s contributions and that they were rather satisfied with the outcome of the event and hope to do another in the near future.
Ultimately this fun filled night of drama and suspense is a fundraiser for the Senior Center which helps them to continue providing vital wellness services like daily meals, aerobics, Zumba and Tai Chi classes, art groups, community gardens, and other events. For more information on the Senior Center, their events, or if you are interested in volunteering, please visit their website hsscclearlake.org or their Facebook Page, the Clearlake Senior Center.
