Chagrin Valley Little Theatre

Press Releases

CVLT to raise money through murder, once again - 8/13/08

CHAGRIN FALLS, OH - Every year around this time, someone turns up dead in Chagrin Falls.  In fact, September 5th and 6th will see the town’s 23rd annual homicide, as Chagrin Valley Little Theatre puts on their Murder By The Falls fundraiser.  The format of this popular murder mystery event, produced under the prime sponsorship of South Franklin Circle with generous support from a host of area merchants and organizations, has remained roughly the same over the years; the evening begins with a pre-show hors d’oeuvre reception, followed by Act 1, in which a murder is committed.  During intermission, the audience searches the Village for clues hidden in store windows and interviews live actors on the street for additional details.  A delectable dessert buffet follows, where audience members fill in 'whodunit' guessing forms in teams of eight.  The evening completes with the revealing of the killer's identity in Act 2 and prizes being awarded to the winning team.  Money raised from the event helps with operating expenses for the theatre's 79th Season, which officially begins with Master Class, a drama based on the life of opera legend Maria Callas, on September 12th.

This year's Murder is entitled "Desperate Merchants" and is written and directed by Don Edelman, who has helmed the event several times in the past. The off-stage event arrangements are handled by a committee under the co-chairing of Lisa Kraemer and Jack Henry, who helped make last year's Murder by the Falls the most successful in its history. It is tradition to cast the show with CVLT regulars and local personalities, and "Desperate Merchants" will be no different, featuring Murder veterans Jan Jones, Sy Levine, Bob Fortlage, Cindee Catalano, Mary Jane Nottage, and Kris Tesar. Frank Mularo will return to the role of "Inspector Gotcha", with the Chagrin Valley Times' Barbara Christian reprising her role as "Barb". The show also features guest appearances from Chagrin Mayor Tom Brick, plus Chagrin Fire and Police Chiefs Frank Zugan and Jim Brosius. Other cameos may include Geuaga County Sheriff Dan McClelland and Bentleyville Mayor Leonard Spremuli.

Tickets to the event are $50 per person, of which $25 is tax deductible as a donation to the theatre. The ticket includes the show, hors d'oeuvres (with beer/wine cash bar) and dessert/coffee buffet. Tickets are available by calling 440-247-8955 between 1-6 PM, Monday through Saturday. Complete details are available at the theatre's website, CVLT.org.

Chagrin Valley Little Theatre is generously funded by Cuyahoga County residents through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and is supported by the Ohio Arts Council. CVLT was voted 'Best Community Theatre' by Cleveland Magazine Readers, and 'Best Theatre Group' on the Fox 8 HotList in 2007.

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