On July 29 and 30, Clubhouse 7 was transformed into a stage for the captivating original play “The Deadly Demise at Downtown Flabby,” presented by A Music Lover’s Club. The sold-out dinner show was a resounding success, thanks to the exceptional talent and dedication of both the cast and crew. This delightful murder mystery, directed by Jeff Sinclair and assisted by Linda Weiner, was penned by the late Beverly Arrowsmith, whose passion for theater and the arts left a lasting legacy in Laguna Woods.
The play featured a stellar ensemble cast, including Gregory Anderson as Robert Grandham, Barbara Turino as Dora Grandham, Bill Reed as Mr. Larson, Sandy O’Connor as Anna, Jeff Sinclair as Master Bates, Mark Schwartz as James the Security Guard, Kate Barclay as Lady Ivy, Dave Anderson as Matthew, Dawn Vasco as Mrs. Fatmore, and Wendy Hames as Daisy. Each actor brought their character to life with charisma and flair, leaving the audience thoroughly entertained.
The evening was further enriched by a delectable dinner prepared by Carla Vigos, whose culinary talents received high praise from attendees. The menu featured delicious dishes, including lasagna that many remarked as being the best they had ever tasted. The perfect pairing of fine dining with top-notch entertainment made the event a memorable experience for all.
The Laguna Woods Club Facebook page was abuzz with glowing comments from the community. Delores Dewey praised the great food and show, while Fran Conroy gave the evening an “A+,” highlighting the delicious food and captivating performance. Wendy Hirshberg Shade commended the cast for bringing their “A” game. Grace Pamela OC and Amy Gleason all shared their enthusiasm, with Amy describing the show as “so well done” and “so fun!” Kathy Gaskins read some of the reviews and saw the pictures and stated “It looked like a GREAT event!” Kate Barclay also stated the event looked “Great”. Leslie St whom wasn’t able to get tickets for the show stated “A lil’ birdie told me the food was wonderful and the show was highly entertaining. I wonder who the Director was..they must really know what they are doing!”
Penni Rubin, a top contributor, shared multiple posts, reflecting the joy and engagement of the evening. The heartfelt comments continued with Sybil Woodhouse celebrating the show’s talent and delicious food, Sheila Lundy expressing her excitement for the following day’s performance, and Molly Zimmerman Garvey lauding both the cast and the culinary offerings.
RoseMarie DeSantis-Freund Reed described the evening as “outstanding, funny, and amazing,” highlighting the delightful incorporation of Laguna Woods into the storyline. Terri Harrison and Sandi Brown Paris echoed the sentiment, expressing their love for the show and food. Patti Mandl appreciated the adorable show and fantastic food, while Grace Pamela OC enjoyed the cast’s outfits.
Special mentions were made about Tina Magnuson, the Prop Mistress, who was described as “one beautifully energetic soul” by Carol Croskery and was praised for her infectious smile by RoseMarie DeSantis-Freund Reed. Penni Rubin noted how Tina kicked off the event with enthusiasm.
The play was a touching tribute to Beverly Arrowsmith, whose creative spirit and commitment to the arts were evident in every aspect of the production. The cast and crew, including Sandy O’Connor in publicity, Amelia Morris in graphic design, Tina Magnusson as Prop Mistress, Joe Selikov handling sound, Jack Crawbuck on video, and Joe & Ruth Camera providing rehearsal space, all played pivotal roles in making this event a triumph.
The heartfelt messages from attendees and the palpable energy of the night are testaments to the incredible talent and community spirit within Laguna Woods. It was an evening that celebrated creativity, collaboration, and the joy of live theater. As we look forward to more such events, let’s cherish the memories of this wonderful night filled with laughter, mystery, and delicious food. Here’s to many more evenings of joy and artistic expression!
I loved the play! The actors were so good and the food was amazing. Great job everyone!
Such a fun night! The play was very entertaining and the dinner was delicious. Thank you for a great evening!
Fantastic show and yummy food! The cast did a wonderful job. Can’t wait for more events like this!