Take a walk down memory lane with the Ricardo family, Lucy and Ricky, and their friends Fred and Ethel when Meridian Little Theatre presents “Trouble at the Tropicabana,” an audience participation murder mystery on March 20, 21, and 22.  Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 6:30 p.m.

 

The action takes place in Lucy and Ricky’s living room; then switches to Ricky’s club, the Tropicabana. Besides Lucy (Sidney Covington), Ricky (Jason Clayton), Fred (Clint Brown), and Ethel (Andrea Thaggard), you’ll meet movie mogul heiress Celia B. DeMilo (Diane Freeman), Mr. Big (Ward Calhoun), a notorious gangster; and Ricky’s cousin Roberto (Dalton Newell), an illegal alien.

 

Will Ricky sign a movie contract? Is Celia who she claims to be? Will Lucy and Ethel ruin Ricky’s big chance with another harebrained scheme to get into show business? What’s the escaped convict Mr. Big doing at Ricky’s club?  And who committed the murder? The murder? That’s right—the murder! Someone will be ruthlessly murdered at the end of the show, and it’s up to the audience solve the crime.

 

Covington says the murder mystery dinner theatre is one of the most popular performances of the MLT season.

 

“We have people calling in January wanting their names added to the list for tickets. We are proud of the fact that we kept our ticket prices the same, and for a delicious meal and entertainment, it’s one of the best buys in town,” she explained. “This performance features veterans of the MLT stage. We have all worked together in other productions, so rest assured, there will be lots of improvising, many surprises and interactive fun. Who knows? We may have our scripts hidden on tablecloths or written on our arms.”

 

Teresa Cranmore, owner of Something Southern Catering, says she looks forward to creating the menu for the dinner theatre fund raiser. This year’s lineup will include fettuccini alfredo, grilled chicken, green beans, Caesar salad, garlic bread and a choice of banana pudding or strawberry shortcake.

 

Tickets for the dinner and show are $60 per person. For information and reservations, call 601-482-6371.