A small, brand-new cruise ship sets off on its maiden voyage for what should be a relaxing getaway for its passengers. But, the ship ends up in the wrong port, at the wrong island. It is completely deserted.
Or, is it?
This is the kind of scenario Dr. Hal Brewer loved directing for Plant City’s mystery dinner theater. Now, in memory of the doctor, the Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library are bringing these shows back to the community.
“When Gail (Lyons) approached me about directing it, I said, ‘Well, on one condition: that we do it in memory of Dr. Brewer,’” Dodie White said. “He loved them as much as I do, and I thought it would be fitting if we honored him by doing by another show.”
Then, because the group had so much fun with the idea, this turned into two shows: back-to-back events on Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7. Many of the show’s actors are prominent Plant City names, such as Mayor Mary Thomas Mathis, Florida Strawberry Festival General Manager Paul Davis and former Florida Strawberry Festival Queen Erica Der.
“We always use local celebrities,” White says. “We’ve found over the years that, the more they mess up, the funnier it is. They have a good time with it, and I have a good time working with them.”
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Bruton Memorial Library. But, even if there wasn’t the added benefit of the fundraiser, finding actors is a cinch.
“It’s not difficult at all,” White says. “I guess this was our 15th show, so people know it’s fun and they’ll have a great time with it. We don’t really have to twist arms too hard.”
The cruise-ship story package the group will present this year has never been performed in Plant City. These packages are purchased based on the number of shows that will be performed, so each night will have a different ending.
Although the group purchased just one show package for that weekend, don’t assume that that will be the end of the Plant City mystery dinner theater revival. White said there is a possibility of these events becoming an annual occurrence again.
Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
IF YOU GO
WHEN: Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., and the show begins at 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: HCC John R. Trinkle Center, 1206 N. Park Road
TICKETS: $45 per person and can be purchased at the following locations: Sunshine State Federal Savings & Loan, 112 E. Baker St.; Regions Bank, 2303 Thonotosassa Road; and Holiday Inn Express, 2102 N. Park Road.