Published: July 24, 2008 11:46 pm      

MMA to host dinner theater murder mystery at MSU Riley Center

A murder mystery set in the wilds of a Peruvian jungle will be the premise of Meridian Museum of Art's Seventh Annual Murder Mystery dinner theater.

"Virginia Jones and the Inca Revenge" will be presented by the Meridian-based theater group The Company of Angels, Sept. 10-13 at the MSU Riley Center. Tickets are currently on sale at the MSU Riley Center box office, as announced by Dr. Judith Miller, MMA board president, during a press conference Thursday.

Set in the 1920s, the production allows audience members to participate as part of a group of survivors rescued by Virginia Jones from an ill-fated expedition that ultimately leads to murder. The audience's survival and detective skills will be tested as adventuress Jones matches wits with dangerous revolutionaries, ruthless treasure seekers and a very funny native shaman, Miller said.

This will be MMA's first time to present the annual dinner theater at the MSU Riley Center. Recent murder mystery events have been held at Weidmann's Restaurant.

"Holding this event in the Riley Center's Studio Theatre allows us to present a more elaborate set with high quality lighting and sound and accommodate a large audience, while delivering an intimate and interactive dinner theater experience that is both entertaining and stimulating for the audience and cast members," said Elliott Street, director.

Cast members include: Virginia Jones, Aislinn Webb; Carmen della Torres, Sara Carmichael; Nigel Pedantas, Steve Nabors; Franz, Clint Brown; Professor Marcus Marcus, Zena Limerick; Manuel della Torres, Clint Brown; Margaretta Diablo, Elizabeth Thomas; Amam, Clint Brown; and Dobbs, Jeff Allman. Ronnie Miller is producer; Melinda Perry, stage manager; and Grant Williams and Anne Nunnally, production associates.

In addition to participating in the rescue, the audience also will enjoy a gourmet meal prepared by Pretty Presentations while the action takes place around them.

"This event provides a great way to enjoy a wonderful meal and quality entertainment, all while supporting the Meridian Museum of Art and its programming to improve the quality of life in this area through the arts," Miller said.