~ A N I N T E R A C T I V E M Y S T E R Y P A R T Y ~

P L A Y B I L L

The Story

It is October, 1938. The mysterious Cecelia “CeCe” Canterbury — known to her friends as “Midnight” — has invited a dazzling array of international friends and acquaintances to her Caribbean estate, Midnight Manor. But beneath the glitter of cocktails and conversation lies a tangle of secrets: coded messages, jewel thefts, and whispers of espionage as the world teeters on the brink of war.

When CeCe appears to take her own life during the party, her guests are left with a cryptic poem, a storm that cuts them off from the mainland, and a house filled with clues. To honor their hostess, they set out on a scavenger hunt through Midnight Manor — only to discover that every guest harbors secrets, and nothing is quite what it seems.

Amelia Bryan-Dewberry (“Jasmine Jessop”)  - Played by Caroline Bartley
A poised senator’s wife and secretly the author of The Star Gazer, society’s juiciest gossip column. Observant, witty, and discreet — until she chooses not to be.

Brogan Ralston & Kallie Stanford (BRK&S) - Played by Trish Effenberger & Todd Hodge
Two razor-sharp attorneys from a venerable Chicago law firm. Competitive and clever, they rarely miss a chance to probe someone’s story for cracks.

Buddy Pond - Played by Terie Tube
A former Olympic figure skater turned Geneva switchboard operator. Sharp-eared and sharp-witted, Buddy has an uncanny talent for knowing who is calling whom.

Chaos Stratford - Played by Chris Aikman
Squirrel’s steady husband, whose quiet nature belies his resourceful streak. Known for his odd system of organization — and his poker face.

Tiobóid “Chubby” O’Basham - Played by John McCarthy
An Irishman who prefers the nickname “Chubby” after years of people mispronouncing his Gaelic name. Clever, restless, and endlessly charming, he always seems to know more than he lets on.

Dutch (Charlotte) of Dartmouth  - Played by Cheryl Kirk
CeCe’s childhood friend, raised among English gentry but longing for excitement beyond polite society. Dutch is elegant, observant, and sharper than most expect. 

Gypsy McKenzie - Played Gem Astren
An Irish dancer whose career has taken her across Europe. Known for her beauty and vivacity, she is also connected to more shadowy circles through her friendships and romances.

Honey Bobwhite - Played by Eva Jo Auld
A sweet Chicago cocktail waitress who followed love to Switzerland. Spirited, loyal, and prone to speak her mind when pushed.

Ingram McTovish - Played by Chris Birkes
A bold Scotsman with a taste for schemes — and for Honey. His charm and bluster often get him further than his actual plans.

Mighty Royer - Played by Steve Nisenoff
Editor of the Royer Recorder and Schultzie’s husband. Jovial but shrewd, Mighty makes it his business to know who’s coming and going.

Miraj (Meara Jane) Lariat - Played by Kathryn McCarthy
CeCe’s college friend from Vassar, a journalist with a knack for creating diversions and illusions. Miraj is as bold as she is clever, and has a habit of uncovering more than she bargains for.

The Pusserpines (Abbie, Barry & their dog Blackie) - Played by Laurie Jackson, Bill Wilson
A vaudeville couple turned Electrosux sales team, whose act (and little dog) have made them unforgettable. Cheerful, lively, and full of stories.

Rosie Blacktail & Dr. Etienne Dubois - Played by Sandy Svendsen & Ed Svendsen
A talented seamstress and designer who once worked in Paris theatre. Loyal, resourceful, and full of unexpected connections.

Schultzie Royer - Played by Deborah Nisenoff
The warm-hearted proprietress of a once-famous Chicago speakeasy. Schultzie knows everyone, and everyone talks to her — sometimes more than they should.

Snowball (Roland) Pearl - Played by Ray Dude
A genial “insurance man” who seems to show up wherever trouble brews. His ski stories and Vermont charm make him popular — but he has sharp eyes for secrets.

Sparky DelMonte - Played by Craig DeVitto
Once a notorious smuggler, now supposedly retired abroad. His name lingers like cigar smoke wherever whispers of contraband arise.

Squirrel Stratford - Played by Laura Aikman
An eccentric pawnshop owner from Atlantic City with a reputation for squirreling away unusual treasures. People say she has a touch of the psychic.

Turbo Evergreen - Played by David Astern
A bouncer at the Folies Bergère in Paris, fiercely protective of Gypsy McKenzie. He’s a man of muscle and suspicion — but knows how to use his wits when it counts.

Wallace Dewberry - Played by Wally
An Illinois senator who prefers to keep his head down and his words few. Whether he knows about his wife’s secret alter-ego is anyone’s guess.

William Chadwick, R.A.F., Captain  - Played by Chaz Kirk
Dutch's (now Lady Charlotte Chadwick by marriage) husband. The strong, silent type, Captain Chadwick is often away on training missions, leaving his poor wife with sometimes too much time on her hands.

PART ONE

PART TWO

Here, behind the curtain of the Midnight Mystery Theatre, awaits a performance like no other. There is no script. There are no lines. There are no stage directions. But, as in every aspect of real life, there are hints, suggestions, decisions, consequences, and outcomes. The stage is yours. Explore your surroundings. Take a look at the rooms and familiarize yourselves with the set. Acquaint or re-acquaint yourselves with your fellow guests. Enjoy the cocktails and the little amuse-bouches as you mingle.

But first, before you do, please take some time, sit down, relax, and listen to the story behind the scenes well before the curtain rises on

M I S C H I E F

Cast of Characters

In Alphabetical Order