Header image  
a murder mystery comedy
dinner theater
 
line decor
   (Hurry! Reservations for the 10/28 show can be taken through Oct. 25!!)
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Author/Director's Notes

"An Honor to Die For" was written as an easy to stage dinner theater that incorporates a unique idea in the whole "murder-mystery-dinner" realm.. Sorry...telling you that idea would be giving away a central premise of the show. If you should choose to license the show for performance, you'll see it right away in the script, but to prevent possible spoilers for guests, I won't divulge it here.

This is an easy show to put on about anywhere. Below are some notes regarding staging and performance to help you decide if you would like to bring it to your venue. If you would like some sample scenes (that don't give away the central premise...hopefully) just drop me a line and I'll send some segments to you.

There is really no "set" involved with the production of AHTDF. If you put it on at a banquet hall, all you need to do is set up a head table. The atmosphere should be of an Honorarium Dinner. The guests are attendees at the dinner designed to honor Mr. Buck Van Monington. For guest seating, we are recommending round tables, eight or ten tops should work best. You need to leave enough aisle room for performers to pass easily through the room when all guests are seated.

Because there is no traditional "stage" in the production, with standard "stage-right" and "stage-left" directionals, the script is written without specific staging instructions. It is structured in such a way that you, as the director, are free to move characters around as needed. The first staging of the show was done on a raised platform that contained the head table. Some highlight lighting should be directed on the head table, but no special follow spots or light changes are needed.

There are two entrance points during the performance...characters either arrive from "outside" (the door where the guests entered) or from the "kitchen" (some other entrance to the room...if it is actually the kitchen, all the better). All lines go to the primary characters. Supporting characters would include the wait staff. The wait staff, aside from serving the meal, is actually called into play when it comes to helping the decorator character (Art Deco) put the room together after he arrives.

There are a few specific props, but they are minimal and should be easily gathered. Costuming is elegant dinner ensemble. In general, go with suits for the men and formal dresses for the ladies. The Brenda character (the caterer) should be in a smart business-like outfit with a hint of formal/evening wear. Sebastian (the Chef) should be in chef's whites with a head chef's column hat. Jasper (the M.C.) would most likely be in a tux as would Buck (the Guest of Honor). The Amanda character will be in evening dress but with a hint of the outrageous. She is a showy, flamboyant character and that needs to come through...especially in her accesories. This holds true for Art (the Decorator). He should wear a stylish suit but flash it up with a hat, a cape or a cane...some signature piece that draws attention.


 
 

 

AMANDA:
"Other than that one time in Rio when I told you your butt looked good in that thong, have I ever lied to you about anything?"

DASH:
"Don't anyone move! I smell cordite from a recently fired sidearm!"

SEBASTIAN:
"In addition to working at some of the finest five star restaurants around the world, I also host those Pampered Chef parties...they are surprisingly lucrative."

ART:
"I was in Paris this morning. I'm redoing that dusty old Louvre...ugh!"

LYDIA:
"She looked like Mr. T's half sister...and not the good half, either."