News from the Pattaya Players

Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Theater: “Death And Deceit On The Nile”

Pattaya Players (home of Pattaya’s Professional Amateurs) is proud to unearth a treasure trove of laughs as its newest production “Death And Deceit On The Nile” sets sail at the Indian By Nature Restaurant in Jomtien. This production is the first in an annual series of dinner theatre offerings presented by the Pattaya Players, written by Peter DePietro. DePietro is a veteran of the interactive dinner theatre genre, with hits including “Broadway Babylon,” “A Fatal Combination,” “The Hilarious Hillbilly Massacre,” “Murder At Rutherford House” and “Murder At The Prom.”

Synopsis: When the incredibly opulent secret tomb of an ancient Egyptian Pharaoh is excavated, can murder be far behind? Of course not! But the killer cannot be caught without the help of the audience to sort through the highly dubious stories of the international cast of characters.

Though the title may evoke thoughts of classic murder mystery novels, “Death and Deceit on the Nile” is played strictly for laughs. “It’s a cross between Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile and Clue,” said Chris Parsons, Pattaya Players Board Member and part of the ensemble cast. “All of the characters are over-the-top funny.”

The mystery takes place on a cruise ship while sailing on the Nile. An ancient Egyptian Pharaoh’s secret tomb and treasure has been discovered. Because of its extraordinary value, it has been named the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” A cast of bizarre international characters assemble to view it: a scheming professor, a voluptuous princess, a daffy housekeeper, a slick lounge lizard, and an astute writer and a dealer in exotic antiques. Suddenly, gunshots ring out! The archaeological wonder becomes the focus of murder. Heated interrogations, shocking revelations and hilarious banter eventually give way to the dramatic realization of whodunit. When the killer is caught, the ancient gods of Egypt can finally rest easily … or can they?

During the play, the audience is asked to join in by assuming their own identity (character names and biographies will be given to all guests) and by studying clue cards, which may reveal the identity of the killer. Audience members are encouraged to “get in character” and join in on the fun — but may also choose to just sit back and enjoy the show. The production consists of a one-act play set in four scenes.

Ray Lightbown directs a versatile cast composed of members of the Pattaya Players. The show runs one night only on Saturday, September 6th and tickets must be purchased in advance as seating is limited. The doors will open at 7:00 pm. Dinner will consist of a four course meal plus cocktail-hour hors d’oeuvres drawn from Indian By Nature’s acclaimed menu of exotic favorites. Since this is a one-night-only engagement, tickets are required and are available by visiting
www.pattayaplayers.org or by emailing pattayaplayers@gmail.com or in person at Indian By Nature (306/64-68 Château Dale Plaza Thappraya Rd.). The cost for an entire evening of food and fun is just 1,300 Baht per person.