Mystery dinner theatre

Chester - The Chester Community Center Board and Lime Springs Childrens’ Theatre Troupe is hosting a Murder Mystery Dinner  called “Dinner at Eight, Dead by Nine” at the Chester Community Center on Jan. 27.

Don’t get confused with the name of the play, though. Doors will be open at 5:30 p.m., with the dinner starting at 6 (not 8). 

Get ready for a three-course Italian meal including salad, lasagna with bread stick and yummy bars, along with beverages. Ody’s catering of Ostrander will be the chef for the evening. 

“Dinner at Eight, Dead by Nine” is a live theatre play performed by your friends and neighbors in Chester, Riceville and Lime Springs, including James and Theresa Ness, Paula Hemann, Beki Groenwald, Jill Tibbals, Kaylee, Holly and Cassie Burr, Ella Keller, Brooke Dvorak, Brian Lewis and Jennifer DeVries.

Director Jessica DeVries noted, “It has been interesting because I have always helped direct children’s theatre and haven’t had much experience directing an adult cast. This is a great experience for myself and all who have participated in it. It’s been wonderful having the Chester Community Center Board and the LSCTT Board working together for this fund-raiser.”

The last time the area had a Mystery Dinner Theatre was about 8-10 years ago when the Lime Springs United Methodist Church sponsored one.

Advance tickets are encouraged. Adult tickets are $25 with children being $15. To purchase tickets, contact Janet DeVries at 563-379-7625.

As an added bonus, there will be a raffle for the “Best Seat in the House.”  Raffle tickets are $5.00 each.  The winner and a plus-one will be able to sit on stage with the cast members to get a full theatrical experience.  Raffle tickets can be purchased through Janet DeVries or at the door on performance night.  The winner will be drawn just before the play begins.

“Dinner at Eight, Dead by Nine by Michael Druce is produced by special arrangements with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc., Denver, Colo.