Mystery Dinner Theatre returns to library

“Design for Murder,” a whodunit written by George Batson, will be the Mystery Dinner Theatre production for fall at the Homewood Public Library. 

The production, directed by Emily Hoppe, will be  Oct. 21 and 22, with a buffet starting at 6:30 p.m. and the show starting at 7:30 p.m.

“Design for Murder,” first performed in 1960, tells the tale of Celia Granger, who is trying to maintain her magnificent mansion and the generations-old traditions connected to it, said Leslie West, the library’s head of Adult Services. Granger is hampered in her efforts by lack of money and the exploits of her playboy son.

During her financial struggles, two members of her household staff are killed. Everyone is a suspect, and the more Detective Carlin searches for answers, the more dirt he digs up on Granger, her family and friends.

The Mystery Dinner Theatre “has become a signature event” for the library, West said.

“We’ve been hosting this event for close to 20 years,” she said. “Not only do our patrons love it, we have folks from all over the county coming to participate. The food, provided by Christian Catering, is outstanding.”

The library presents this annual event in partnership with South City Theatre in Pelham, West said.

“‘Design for Murder’ was chosen specifically for the library patrons who enjoy traditional murder mysteries,” said Sue Ellen Gerrells, South City’s artistic director. “Although the play follows a traditional format, in this one, the butler doesn’t do it.” 

The Mystery Dinner Theatre has been so successful that the library has added a Valentine’s Dinner Theatre in February featuring romantic comedies, West said.

Tickets are $30 for the buffet and show. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and will be available beginning Sept.19. They can be purchased online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org or at the Adult Services Department.

Homewood Public Library is at 1721 Oxmoor Road.