A loathsome director has been murdered and it’s up to the audience to uncover who did it—over lunch!

Murder on McDonnel, a murder mystery luncheon, takes place on Friday, November 18 at the McDonnell Street Activity Centre.

Presented by The Theater on King, (TTOK) in partnership with Marianne Vandelinde of Remax Realty, Murder on McDonnel promises an afternoon of great local food, drink, music and of course, mayhem, says Vandelinde. “It’s a great chance to have lunch with friends and colleagues while solving a murder mystery. This is an ideal way to kick off the holiday season while supporting a community theater.”

A veritable whodunnit, Murder on McDonnel features a cast of some of Peterborough’s most celebrated actors including Di Latchford, Naomi DuVall, Daniel Smith and more.

Evidence as to who the murderer is will be provided between courses. “Is it the disgruntled actor?” asks local theater artist, writer and show organizer Kate Story. “The misunderstood playwright? The former flame? I’m voting for the misunderstood playwright, but maybe I’m just projecting,” she laughs.

“The original script has been written by Simon Turner-Semchuk,” says TTOK’s artistic director, Ryan Kerr. “Simon is one of our bright theatre lights at TTOK.”

Now in its fourth year, TTOK, located just behind the Corus Entertainment building at the corner of King and George Streets, has seen over 3000 audience members come through its doors. “That’s quite a feat when you consider it only seats 30-40 people at a time,” says Kerr. “We’ve hosted over 400 separate events, and programming grows every year.”

But for many Peterborough residents, even theatre-lovers, the theatre remains a mystery.

“It’s kind of like Peterborough’s best-kept theatre secret,” explains Story. Kerr agrees. “If you are willing to go a little way off the beaten path, you’ll find a real treasure.”

The space not only hosts theatre productions, but also literary events, quiet music performances, cabarets, and much more. “TTOK provides an intimate space that’s accessible to artists and audiences alike,” says Jill Walker, a volunteer who regularly attends productions at TTOK. “You can rent it, put on a play, teach or take a class or attend one of the many performances taking place throughout the year. It’s a little space with big potential. Art grows here every time the door opens and the lights turn on.”

Vandelinde agrees. “Every performance I’ve attended has been so memorable. The caliber of the work that’s performed is first rate. Some of the plays were written nearly 100 years ago, but the themes are still relevant today."

“I am particularly proud of the spirit of openness and acceptance in the space,” Kerr says. “We’ve mentored a number of young theatre artists over the short time we’ve been open, and look forward to continuing that tradition.”

Murder on McDonnel will feature a delicious three-course lunch, wine or beer, and a cash bar. Musical entertainment will be performed by period-music stars Chester Babcock, featuring Susan Newman, Rob Fortin and John Hoffman.

Friday, November 18th at the McDonnel St. Activity Centre and Lawnbowling Club. 12–3pm. Tickets are $55 or $425 for a table of 8. Seating is limited.

Tickets are available at Black Honey, or by contacting The Theatre on King at (705) 930-6194 or Kate at kstory@nexicom.net. Cash or cheque only.

Check the theatre website for more details: www.ttok.cawww.ttok.ca