The final performances of Mystery Theatre Unlimited’s noir pulp fiction spoof are scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 15, and Friday, Aug. 16. The original interactive musical comedy murder-mystery, dinner-theater show, “The Case of the Ms. and the Show Biz Whiz,” will be presented on Thursday at River City Restaurant in Wheeling and Friday at the Vue Bar and Grill in Grand Vue Park, Moundsville.
In the show, the world’s dumbest private detective, Elliot Brick (played by Butch Maxwell) bungles his way through an incompetent investigation of a shady Hollywood agent — leading to laughter and music parodies
Brick is hired by actress Dame Loretta LaDiva (portrayed by Melody Meadows) to get her out of a long-term contract with her agent, the unscrupulous, shady fast-talker Harley Winestein (played by Evan Oslund), whose other clients include pop singer-with-a-substance-problem Amy Finehouse (portrayed by Karissa Martin).
While Brick pursues the most powerful agent in show business, he encounters the strangely orally dyslexic actor Sir John Feelgood (played by Michael Moran) and other shady characters (played by various audience members) such as the newsboy, Three Fingers, the street vendor, Apple Annie, the snitch, Blinkie the Stoolie and Brick’s nemesis, Lieutenant Cleftjaw. It all leads to a very silly murder and some funny song parodies.
The Wheeling-based ensemble has been writing and performing original comedy murder mysteries since 1996, with more than 60 unique shows in its repertoire. The performances include audience interaction and the opportunity to solve a murder mystery, along with a dinner. Performances take place in a dining room, with actors moving about among the tables. Audience members are encouraged to gather clues, talk to the characters and even question the survivors after the murder has occurred. Some audience members will also play small parts during the show.
For reservations, which include a full meal and the show, call River City at 304-233-4555 or the Vue Bar and Grille at 304-810-2778. River City is located at 1401 Main St. in Wheeling; the Vue is in Grand Vue Park, Moundsville.