PCA Players Perform 80’s Puzzler

What: Back to the 80’s Murder Mystery Dinner
When: Friday March 15th 5:30pm. (Saturday show sold out)
Where: The Dogwood Center for Performing Arts
Cast Members: Kris Wood Charles Zeldenrust Shelley Harris, Jason Harris, Sandy Siegel, Kay Cummings, Gabe Schillman, and Mary Van Wylen

By Ken DeLaat (aka Guido)
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As a veteran of the NCPCA annual plays who has taken to the floorboards more than  a few times for the cause there are a few things I can tell you about these thespian adventures where many are called and few respond.
They are  a lot of work, involving a lot of time, and more importantly...
They are a lot of fun.

One reason seems to be the camaraderie that tends to evolve as it does with most theater type experiences. People who are willing to hop on board and join the nearly world famous PCA Players are generally a chummy bunch and when you’re in something like a play you develop a ‘we’re all in this together’ mentality
Another is the notoriety. I am still referred to in some circles as “Guido” a role I evidently captured well enough to be remembered by instead of my real name and a photo of me  as an aging hippie (go figure) from another PCA offering has surfaced from time to time.

Then there is the audience. A group who has come out for the express purpose of having fun. The crowd embraces the interactive process of the play and post performance discussion at the tables is lively as each group strives to solve the mysterious murder.
The other thing likeable about the audience, those people who pony up for this good cause, is that they tend to be a generous lot. Beyond attending they often participate in the bidding wars during the silent auction or chinese raffle  and have given time and/or monetary support to other PCA ventures.

But the coolest thing?
It is truly a good cause. The NC Prevention of Child Abuse works toward the admirable goal of preventing young people from coming to harm through a number of programs designed to impact factors that often lead to abuse.

NCPCA Executive Director Tara Nelson: “The best way to prepare for the future is to create it. Everyone who is in our community is an active participant in creating our culture. Prevention of child abuse and neglect represents a transformation of culture, one in which families are strong and children thrive because they feel safe, stable, and nurtured. Prevention in our community helps offset adverse childhood experiences and build resiliency.”  

The Murder Mystery event is NCPCA’s largest fundraiser of the year. Funds raised allows the continuation and progression of programs to reach more children and families in need in Newaygo County.
Intrigued?
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Guests who attend this event are encouraged to dress in their 80’s best. They will enjoy a night of laughs, friendships, and a delicious dinner from Ferris State Catering. They will also have opportunities to be part of our fundraising efforts by participating in a silent auction, an instant blitz game, or Chinese raffle.   
To sign up visit Newaygocountyprevention.org  or call 231-689-5220

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