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Briefs
by James F. Mills
All ABoard for Murder
Dinner theater is a rarity for the L.A. theater scene. And gay dinner theater has never existed in L.A. (to this reviewer’s knowledge). Unfortunately, it still doesn’t. But if you’re willing to drive to Long Beach, Act Out Mystery Theatre has a gay-themed, audience participation, mystery dinner theater that makes the journey worthwhile—All Aboard for Murder.
The setting is the maiden voyage of the Gay Fairie, a mega yacht owned by gay billionaire Woody Woodstone. He’s invited his nearest and dearest for a fabulous dinner celebration. Unfortunately, Woody doesn’t survive to enjoy the salad course. Someone on board has murdered him and we’re left to determine the culprit before the ship docks.
If you’re looking for a complex mystery a la Agatha Christie, book a cruise on another yacht. But if you’re looking for some campy fun, this is the ship to hitch your dinghy to.
Writer Paul Vander Roest, who also plays both the murder victim and the chief investigating officer, has crafted a clever, broad comedy reminiscent of old Carol Burnett Show sketches, skewering celebrities, old sitcoms, campy movies and those pesky Prop. 8 supporters. The laughs are many, some unexpected, some so obvious the audience shouts out the punchlines before the actors can recite them.
Four actors play 10 different characters. But there are 16 other characters—small parts with just four to six lines—who offer vital clues for solving the murder. To fill those roles, they recruit audience members who stand at their table and read their lines. And that’s where the real fun kicks in.
These audience performers can add their own flourishes for their moment in the spotlight, some even managing to upstage the main actors. And their participation breaks down barriers, giving strangers reason to interact between acts, whether it’s complimenting them on their performances or saying, “I think you did it.”
But it’s the principal actors who anchor the show. Not only must they know their parts, they’ve also got to improv lines in response to what the audience does, plus keep the story on course. Among the principle cast, Stephen Beitler manages to create three distinct characters, each of whom stand out. Bruce Hart seems to be having a blast in his roles of ship’s cruise director and cross-dressing police inspector, while Lara Starr Rigores holds her own nicely with each of her three parts.
The Reef on the Water, overlooking Long Beach Harbor, hosts the production. The Reef has long been known for its dazzling dinners. And the three-course meal served during this production is outstanding. Along with the salad and dessert courses, the audience gets to choose one of four entrees—prime rib, salmon, chicken or vegetarian—which are all rave-worthy. Paying $50 for this meal plus the fun show is truly a bargain.
the details
All Aboard for Murder
Act Out Mystery Theatre
The Reef on the Water
880 South Harbor Scenic Dr., Long Beach
Fri. & Sat., 7 p.m.
Through Nov. 28. Tickets $50 (includes dinner)
actoutmystery.com
 Briefs
by James F. Mills
HAPPY HOWL’OWEEN!
It’s a canine costume carnival as Justin Rudd presents his annual Haute Dog Howl’oween Parade. The largest Halloween event for pets in the world, animal lovers dress up their pooches in outfits, then parade them along the perimeter of Livingston Park in Belmont Shore. “It’s a time to honor your pets, to spend time with them and show them off,” says Rudd, proud father of two bulldogs. A pet adoption and vendor fair will be happening simultaneously in the park. And just so they won’t get left out, there will be a kid’s costume contest too. The parade is Saturday, Oct. 31, starting at 2:30 p.m.
SOUTH BAY CENTER TURNS 20
In honor of its 20th anniversary, the South Bay Center in Torrance will hold a series of special events. First up is a movie night on Tuesday, Oct. 20, screening a documentary about gay history. Next up is a coffeehouse/open mic night on Friday, Oct. 23, that’s open to all. “We invite everyone to come and celebrate with us. And show off their talents too,” says Executive Director Dottie Wine. That coffeehouse will be a dual celebration, observing not only the Center’s 20th anniversary of being founded, but also of their first year in their new home on Crenshaw Blvd., just south of Redondo Blvd., adjacent to El Camino College.
HALLOWEEN CAN BE SUCH A DRAG
Halloween was made for ghosts, goblins and, of course, drag queens. To get your fill of all three, check out Harmony’s Halloween Haunt on Friday, Oct. 30, taking place at a remote, hilltop estate in Hacienda Heights. “It’s a large estate. There are two wings to the house and we’ve decorated the whole place,” reports Empress Harmony of the Imperial Court of Long Beach. “It’ll be a fun, scary evening.” They’ll have a full-course dinner, an open bar and a limo shuttle from the parking lot at the bottom of the hill. Singer Jackie Beat and Queer as Folk star Thea Gill provide the entertainment, along with scantily clad go-go dancers. Prizes for the best costumes. All proceeds benefit Imperial Court charities.
PROJECT RED PAINT YOUTH ART CONTEST
The general public can help determine the winner of the Project Red Paint youth art contest. Entries will be on display at the new Hellard Gallery in downtown Long Beach’s East Village Arts District from Nov. 4-15. Entries can be in any medium, provided they incorporate the AIDS red ribbon. “We’re continuing our effort to reach out to the age group that is most affected by HIV and AIDS,” explains Garry Bowie of the Long Beach AIDS Foundation, which is sponsoring the contest. “One of the most effective ways of reaching them is through art work.” Those voted best will move on to the final round of judging at the World AIDS Day Event at the Museum of Latin American Art on Dec. 1.
the details
Harmony’s Halloween Haunt
Fri., Oct. 30, 7 p.m.
longbeachimperialcourt.org
Haute Dog Howl’oween Parade
Sat., Oct. 31, 2:30 p.m.
justinrudd.com
Project Red Paint art display
Nov. 4-15
projectredpaint.org
South Bay Center 20th anniversary celebration
Tues., Oct. 20 & Fri., Oct. 23
southbaycenter.org
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