Audience invited to weigh in on murderer in dinner theater show

STEUBENVILLE -- Those attending a dinner theater production by Thespians Troupe 5393 of Steubenville High School will be invited to guess the culprit in a comic murder mystery presented by the group.

Abby Macre, choir and drama director at the school, noted the opportunity presents a different wrinkle for the show, which will be unique in that it will be presented in the social hall of First Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Macre expressed thanks to the church’s members who, in addition to providing the venue, will be preparing a pasta dinner to be served during the play, which will be presented at 6 p.m. Oct. 17.

Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased online at steubenvillehsfinearts.ludus.com.

Up to 200 seats will be available, but no tickets will be sold at the door.

Macre said the menu is appropriate because the play, Nathan Hartswick’s “Death by Dessert,” involves two families that run competing Italian restaurants.

She noted choirs from the school have performed at the church, which is at 235 N. Fourth St., but it’s the first time the group has presented a play there.

Macre said it’s particularly well suited for the show because two doors from its kitchen lead to the stage.

“I’d love to do one here again. It’s been a lot of fun,” she said.

Macre is hoping the audience will have fun not only viewing the show, but also making their own guesses to the identity of the murderer.

She said before it’s revealed, attendees at each table will be invited to deliberate on the various characters’ motives and collectively reach their own conclusions.

The production involves more than a dozen students. The cast includes Julia Gentile as the murder victim who, as narrator, relates the events leading up to her demise; Alexa Lancia, Robert Smth, Jocelyn Walker, Andrew Brown, Christianna Rivers, Kennedy Babel, Morgan Goff, Emma Burr, Kyle Coladonato, Cullen Coyne, Michael Lancia, Stella Schiappa, Sa’Niyah Newton and Ava Bracone.

Macre, who has directed many plays at Harding Middle School, is being assisted by Glory Dami, who has filled her position at Harding Middle School as choir and drama director.

She will receive an assist with this production from Scott Wolodkin who, as the high school’s choir and drama director, oversaw more than 100 shows during his long career with Steubenville City Schools.

“He’s going to pop in and help us with some technical stuff,” said Macre.

The Thespians are selling chances on three gift baskets with Pittsburgh Steelers, Ohio State University and University of Pittsburgh tickets and related items, an Italian cuisine-themed basket and a basket containing gift cards for many local businesses.

They are $10 for 12 or $20 for 30 and can be purchased through Thespians Troupe 5393 members or from Macre by calling (740) 282-9741, extension 1149.