Chagrin Valley Little Theatre

Press Releases

Chagrin Falls Arts Hub Plans Lead To "Murder" - 8/17/07

CHAGRIN FALLS, OH - Every year around this time, someone turns up dead in Chagrin Falls.  In fact, September 7th and 8th will see the town’s 22nd annual homicide, as Chagrin Valley Little Theatre puts on their Murder By The Falls fundraiser.  The format of this popular murder mystery event, produced this year with generous support from South Franklin Circle, 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 interview live actors on the street.  A catered dessert buffet at the Town Hall 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 as the theatre kicks off its new season, this year being the 78th.

Murder's plot nearly always revolves around or spoofs some event going on in Chagrin Falls Village or the surrounding area.  This year's show is no exception.  Law & Order: CVLT, written and directed by CVLT regulars Andrew and Greta Rothman, is centered on the real-life Chagrin Foundation for Arts & Culture’s recently announced plans to create an ‘arts hub’ in Chagrin, renovate Chagrin’s 127 year-old Town Hall, River Street and the 58 year-old Little Theatre itself.  Intrepid investigators “Inspector Gotcha” (Andrew Rothman) and “Detective Ketchum” (Michelle Kaiser) are on the case of a murdered theatrical impresario who has arrived in Chagrin Falls to make his mark during the project.  CVLT management, local business owners and city bigwigs all become suspects in a mystery that’s sure to give audiences a serious brain teasing, and more than a few good laughs.

This year’s Murder by the Falls follows the tradition of casting the theatre’s frequent performers along side local notables.  Jan Jones (Morning Exchange) has appeared in many of the shows over the years, and will appear again this year, along with The Chagrin Valley Times’ Barbara Christian.  This year’s audience will also be treated to special appearances by Chagrin Falls Police Chief James Brosius, former Councilwoman and mayoral candidate Lisa Kraemer, and members of the Chagrin Foundation for Arts & Culture.  CVLT has also extended special invitations to the Chiefs and Officers of 15 area police departments, including members of The Valley Enforcement Group.

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