‘Newport Murder Mystery’ to Perform at Casino Theatre

By: Bianco, Steven
Posted In: News

Top hats, elaborate dresses, gore and torrents of laughter all wrapped up in Victorian elegance: this is the “Newport Murder Mystery.” Having satisfied all of Newport’s “mystery needs” since 1981, the Marley Bridges Theatre Company’s “Newport Murder Mystery” intends to baffle crowds once again, but this time, at the Stanford White Casino Theater on Oct. 22, 2010 at 7 p.m.

“We’re passionate, interactive, murder specialists,” said Patrick Grimes, the Marley Bridges Theatre Company’s Artistic Director. From delving in education through hosting student improvisation workshops to developing an interactive mystery production in which families can get involved, members of the “Newport Murder Mystery” have indeed begun to gain positive influence within the Aquidneck Island community.

Formerly dubbed the Beachwood Theatre Company, the Marley Bridges Theatre Company is a non-profit organization seeking to offer “Rhode Islanders and visitors alike, engaging and enriching affordable entertainment” according to the troupe’s website. Specifically, the Marley Bridges subsidiary group, “Newport Murder Mystery,” is “dedicated to “C.R.I.M.E.” or Creative-Role-Playing-Through-Interactive-Murder-Experiences, according to Grimes. The troupe’s greatest pastime is putting on comedy/horror shows set in the 19th century in which homicides occur and the audience is expected to get involved, allowing for enhanced and inclusionary entertainment. “Theatre is meant to be experienced,” said Grimes, “not witnessed.” Usually, the “Newport Murder Mystery” stages weekly performances at the Newport Art Museum. However, their upcoming performance at the newly refurbished Casino Theater serves as a uniquely significant as well as exciting instance in the group’s history.

In regard to this greatly anticipated event, Grimes spoke his mind on his views and goals in bringing “Newport Murder Mystery” to the 130-year old venue. “My aim is to get everyone who comes to see as much of the theatre as possible, including the orchestra and some areas backstage,” Grimes said, placing a great deal of priority in exposing audience members to the historical nature of the building.

Aside from the majesty of the Casino Theater, tickets for the “Newport Murder Mystery’s” production on the 22 are to be sold at $20, a lower price than those for regular exhibitions. “We’re performing the show for a greatly reduced cost to maximize the fundraising dollars for Salve,” said Grimes, seeking to promote SRU Performing Arts Department productions in the process. In lieu of the upcoming show at the Casino Theater, a number of Salve students have expressed interest in seeing “Newport Murder Mystery” for themselves.

“I’m really intrigued, should be lots of fun, I’m basically excited,” Jared Emmanuel, a senior, said.

Besides settings in the 19th century, “Newport Murder Mystery” holds presentations in all eras up to the present day including the roaring 20’s and the swinging 1940’s, according to the Marley Bridges Theatre Company. Each performance comprises an originally written story-line by the members and pulls in audience members to become active. For non-members, show ticket prices at the art museum are $30 for adults at ages over 17 and $15 for youth at ages 17 and under. Recently, the Newport Art Museum has also considered extending youth pricing for “Newport Murder Mystery” expositions to Salve Regina University students. Tickets for museum shows and the Oct. 22 Casino Theater production can be purchased on the Marley Bridges Theatre Company website. According to the Newport Art Museum, you can become a member at http://www.newportartmuseum.org and receive benefits such as unlimited free admission to the museum and discounted prices on travel tours, art workshop visitations, and especially, “Newport Murder Mystery” tickets. Currently at the museum, the “Newport Murder Mystery” is producing their original play “Bitter Homes, and Corpse Gardens” on October 14, 21, 28 and November 4, according to the Marley Bridges Theatre company website. Salve Regina students and Newport residents alike are encouraged to see the “Newport Murder Mystery” in action at the museum or the Casino Theater on Oct. 22 and take part in the wonder of family-fun homicidal investigation.