MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATRE
- Wesson News
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
Special to Wesson News
The Copiah-Lincoln Community College (Co-Lin) Choir hosted “Secrets Beneath the Mask – Murder at Mardi Gras”, a masquerade-themed murder-mystery dinner theatre.
The event took place at the college’s Thames Conference Center in Wesson on the evening of January 31 and came alive with the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras.
This event combined mystery and entertainment in a captivating way. The meal was excellent, too. Chef McSweyn outdid himself as usual serving a delicious gumbo.
Teri Bath, Wesson Chamber President gave her review as “engaging and well-rehearsed. Enjoyable for all ages to see.”
The play was written and conceived by Co-Lin acting students Connor Adair of Terry and Pressley Rushing of Brookhaven, with additional edits from alumna Ellie Lambert of Monticello who also played the detective.
The cast included Wendi Case as the voodoo queen Loretta Laveau, Tanner Davis as the jester, Jeremy Johnson (known as Werm) as business partner Marcel—Johnson is also an instructor and former volunteer assistant soccer coach at Co-Lin, Anna McKenzie as Genevieve, and Jake Rutland from Southwest Community College in the role of Beau Thompson. Jessica Breazeale of Wesson, and instructor at Co-Lin, played Estella Thompson. Lee Moore of Brookhaven played Nurse Camille and Damon and Jessica Pecot, former King and Queen. Adair played the emcee and Rushing played Charlotte.
All proceeds from the event supported the Co-Lin Choir, which is preparing for a performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City this May.
One interesting fact about the evening was that the cast and choir members offered an alternate ending to the audience. They encouraged donations, and once enough funds were collected, they were able to show that alternate ending, adding an extra layer of fun to the night. $444 was raised to see the alternate ending of seeing the guilty go free.
“The dinner theatre event was such a fun, family-friendly night and a great way to bring the community together. Dr. Bobby Helms’ leadership continues to be a wonderful gift to the community, and the talent displayed by the students was beyond incredible. I’d love to see this become a regular event,” said attendee Brittany Gibson, who works at Southwest Community College. She is an avid local arts supporter and frequently attends Co-Lin art functions.
A huge thank you also goes out to all the silent auction donors, including Brookhaven Med Spa, KC Family Pharmacy, Semone Curole, Southern Imprint, Damon Pecot with Kimball Midwest, J. Allan’s, Jackson Miller Productions, LLC, Donald Pecot, the Co-Lin Choir, Bobby G. Helms, and photographer Lacey Johnson.
“It was a well-written script, very entertaining, very talented actors, colorful costumes, beautiful table decorations, and I loved the backdrop and decorations to take pictures,” said attendee Marilyn Britt of Wesson.
Approximately $4,500 was raised from the event. To find out how you can help the choir get to NYC, reach out to Bobby Helms, Co-Lin Choir Director, at bobby.helms@colin.edu.
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