Fairview’s North Bend Entertainers to present backstage murder mystery

ByRobert Stevens
A cast member reacts on stage during rehearsals for North Bend Entertainers’ production of “This Murder Was Staged,” which opens March 13 at Peterson Dance Hall in Fairview.

FAIRVIEW — North Bend Entertainers will open its latest production this week in Fairview, bringing a comedy murder mystery to Peterson Dance Hall for a three-night run.

The volunteer theater troupe will present “This Murder Was Staged” on March 13, 14 and 16. The play, written by Patrick Greene and Jason Pizzarello, is billed as a fast-paced show-within-a-show in which a stage production turns into a crime scene before the fictional mystery can be resolved.

The story centers on opening night of a new mystery play. Just as the fictional killer is about to be revealed, the body of the play’s director, Sinclair Hemmings, falls onto the stage, turning the performance into an active investigation in which cast members, crew and even audience members become suspects.

The production follows Detective Drake and a stressed stage manager as they work through competing motives and accusations before the final curtain.

“It’s a perfect mix of mystery and humor,” director Hillary Smith said in a release. “The interactive nature of the show really elevates the experience, making the audience feel like they are part of the investigation.”

Dinner theater performances are scheduled for Friday, March 13, and Saturday, March 14. A performance-only showing is set for Monday, March 16, at 7 p.m.

Organizers said dinner theater tickets are sold out. Tickets for the March 16 performance will be available at the door for $7.
North Bend Entertainers, based in Fairview, stages three productions each year.