SYRACUSE - The third annual Wawasee Kiwanis murder-mystery dinner presentation of "Murder in Pastels" will take place at Quaker Haven Camp Activity Center Sept. 15.
The fundraiser will benefit the Syracuse-North Webster Habitat for Humanity Initiative, which just completed its first build and is raising funds for its second.
Written by Elaine Pearson, "Murder in Pastels" takes place at the Fantasia Art Gallery, whose owners are hosting an art auction for charity featuring a great variety of artwork from several local artists. A special watercolor painting of artist Beverly Howard, played by Teri Herman, is slated to be unveiled at the dinner. However, the painting comes up missing, as does James Fairworth, who owns the gallery along with his wife Mary Alice, played by Tami Vandal.
Long-time friend and art dealer from New York, Robert J. Landon (Robert Eppech) comes to comfort worried Mary Alice. In the meantime, Joe and Martha Perkins (Rod and Tami Urick) try their best to uncover all the news involved with the missing painting and Mr. Fairworth. William "Billy" Morton (Stephen Leininger) and Suzanne Templeton (Judy Schmahl) add to the mix with their as-yet-to-be-identified love interests.
The cast, which will include members of the Lakes Area Players, will be seated for the dinner at 7 p.m. on the stage but will mingle with all those attending during the social hour from 6 to 7 p.m.
Tables of eight will form teams to solve the mystery, with the help of the Inspector (Victor Buhlmann).
Chef Dan Bauer, Quaker Haven, will cater the event, which starts at 6 p.m. with appetizers and punch, followed by a buffet-style dinner (hand-carved roast beef and chicken Marsala) at 7 p.m.
The cost is $30 per person, which must be prepaid. The deadline for reservations is Sept. 1. For information about making a reservation, call Tami Vandal at 574-457-2401 or Sara McKeefer at 574-457-5978. Tables of eight may be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis.
