MURDER IN MARGARITALAND
Kudos to Pat and Debbie Finnigan who presented the play, Murder in Margaritaland, on January 24, 2015. This couple has done so much to make our complex a great place to live. Thanks go out to them. The story takes place on the resort island of Margaritaland, perhaps in the Caribbean.
Twenty two Apache Wells villagers were part of the cast in the exciting production. No one knew who was to be murdered, nor who the murderer might be. Tons of information and misinformation abounded. Owner of the resort, Coconut Joe (Conway Elton), and his wife (Beth Elton), tried to run a happy, upbeat establishment. Bindy, the bar keeper (Bill Patton), tried unsuccessfully to keep the bar in the black, but with sales decreasing, he was fighting a losing battle. He suspected that the bartender, Jack Daniels (Jim Engbrect), was giving away too many Margaritas. Kylie Cocktail (Donna Martinson), was a terrific waitress, but she was a real gold digger. Life Savin’ Sam (Russ Martinson), had too many distractions and was not available when Star Bright attempted suicide. Star Bright (Shirley Engbrect), tired movie star, was at the resort for some R. & R. Agent Hollywood, her Hollywood agent (Joan Hermsen) tried to steer her client in the right direction, but with too much free booze around, she had her work cut out for her. The cabana boy, Cabana Boy (DVon Vien), a man of dubious character, was a bad influence on the guests.
Sandy Beach Bum (Stanton Rickey), a professional surfer and two time world champ, had decided to hit the beach, drink Margaritas, chase the girls, and dodge his manager, Managing Mo (Mary Weeks). He claimed to have been deceived by her and wanted nothing to do with her. She was determined to convince him to hit the waves again. She hated the bartender, Jack Daniels because he gave Sandy free Margaritas. Mike and Margie Mooner (Norb Mills), and (Jeannine Albech), were on their honeymoon, though she had a secret that she planned to keep from him at all costs. Last but not least, is Sgt. Lord, police officer (Andy Arnot), there as a favor to Coconut Joe to discover the loss of revenue in the bar. Before the night was over, he came across a murder.
When the Arizona weather co-operated as usual, the party began at poolside, with, you guessed it, free Margaritas, and a lovely selection of hors d’ oeuvres. As the cast members acquainted themselves with the guests, everyone did unwind and make ready to enter the clubhouse for tacos in a bag and ice cream treats. Unfortunately, before that was accomplished, Bartender Jack Daniels dropped dead. Speculation was plentiful as to who committed the crime. Even though Managing Mo was only two feet from the crime scene, there were no obvious clues. Star Bright leapt from her chair and gave the most authentic mouth to mouth resuscitation one could only hope for, but Jack remained dead. Due to the sleuthing of Sgt. North, it was discovered that Life Savin’ Sam had not been available to save Star Bright from her suicide attempt, as was his duty, but rather Jack Daniels had done the honors. To protect his job, Sam had poisoned Jack Daniels in order to keep his absence a secret.
Those who did the decorating, set up the tables, prepared and served the food for our party were just as important as the cast members, and deserve our kudos as well. The Arnots, Eries, Halvorsons, Fred and Alice Rossman (friends of the Finnigans), Tootie Teasdale, Donna Smith and Donna Martinson are all to be commended for their hard work.
Murder in Margaritaland was the best production and most extensive we have experienced in quite some time. It was suggested, by some disappointed folks who had not been able to buy tickets for the production, that it be presented for two nights. They wondered however, how the secret of the murder could be kept for a second night. I guess we don’t know the answer to that . Does any one have a good clue?
