Dead in the Sled - A Murder Mystery


Poison Pen Players presents Dead in the Sled

Florence’s own warped and wicked Poison Pen Players are back with another hilarious murder mystery comedy at the Florence Events Center on December 12th at 7 pm. This professional comedy murder mystery troupe has nearly 20 years of experience in the genre, and they claim that they really know how to relieve your holiday stress…with a whole lot of laughter!  The show’s title is “Dead in the Sled: Ho, Ho, Ho….OH NO!” and was written by Poison Pen Matriarch, Rose Ellen Jacobson.   The storyline is just as twisted and unusual as the characters, and centers around a cut-throat award ceremony for the coveted Yard Décor signs in an idyllic little town called “Christmas Valley.” 

Characters include Nicholas Kringleman, owner of Christmas Valley’s only restaurant, “Kringleman’s Deli”, played by Marty Adams in his first PPP role.  The 11 year old Dimmer twins, Shimmer and Glimmer (played by Desiree Gaoiran and Tim Jones) are up to their typical nasty tricks as the highly anticipated event approaches. When they aren’t busy tearing up the town, they are fighting tooth and nail with each other.  Walter Winterberry (also played by Adams) hates Christmas. He is the Postmaster of Christmas Valley, and, as such, is responsible for hand canceling all the cards sent to the town.  Ebenezer Scrooge would be proud to call him a friend.  Kooky pants Wanda Winterberry (played by Paula Burnette) is Walter’s sister, the driving force behind all of the Christmas mania, is in full steamroller mode as usual.  What she lacks in money and taste, she makes up in boundless enthusiasm.  Holly Garland (played by Tamara Szalewski) is Police Chief of Christmas Valley, and has a few problems of her own.  She has reluctantly agreed to head up the judging committee this year, against her better judgment.  Finally, Mike Jacobson reprises his hilarious role as Amarillo Snowden, former ballroom dance champion, and aging gigolo.  Amarillo has had some success with the ladies in his younger days, but now he has been reduced to earning money working for the cruise lines as an escort for the lonely, unaccompanied lady passengers.  Wait till you see Amarillo’s outfit, which is worth the price of the ticket all by itself!

Poison Pen Players’ shows are always audience interactive, and this particular show is one of their highest energy, most over-the-top, and just plain zaniest! There are also funny songs and dances to help you ring in the holidays with a big grin on your face.  Included with your ticket is a delicious 3-course holiday meal, including coffee/tea and dessert, as well as at least one murder!  Audience members get to help solve the murder, and there are prizes for the winning team!

Tickets are $43.95 at the FEC per person, with a 10% discount for a group of 8. The appetizing dinner will be catered by Mon Ami. Doors will open at 6:30 pm and the concessions of beer, wine and soft beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling the box office at (541) 997-1994 or visiting the website at www.eventcenter.org.  For general information visit www.poisonpenplayers.com.