Richard Froese
South Peace News
A double murder in Jean Cote was solved at a popular murder mystery dinner theatre March 7 and March 14.
Mardi Gras was the theme of Bumped Off On Bourbon Street presented by the Local Actors Having Fun [LAHF] Troupe at the Jean Cote Community Centre.
An enthusiastic crowd was thrilled with the evening filled with laughter, a three-course meal, mystery and suspense.
“We had a full house of more than 220 each night,” says Hilda Grenier, one of nine characters in the cast. She played the role of Suzette.
“We are happy that even after 14 years, we can still pretty well sell out both nights.
“Lots of people in the audience have seen just about every one of our productions.”
In the play, Enid Strict, played by Lynn Florence, was found guilty of double murder for killing the king and queen. The verdict was announced by Mme Leveau played by Helene Hausler.
Other characters in the play were Brenda Moore as Paray De Lady, Alysia Sharpe as Belle Blowsalot, Jacquie Melnyk as Scarlet Boudoir, Paul Benoit as Dundee Petit, Doris Drouin as Svea Bork and George Tailleur at Jorge Tailor.
Lise Poirier directed the play, written with a local flavour by Moore.
Behind the scenes, Diane Boucher controlled the sound, Charlotte Kealy handled the lights and curtains, and Madeleine Veitch was the script prompter and understudy.
Several parts of the script referred to the local community. The play was set in the best hotel in Jean Cote, which has a Dubois Room.
Other parts spoke about Jean Cote politics and the long history of voodoo in the Jean Cote Bayou.
Dinner theatre guests were invited to dress up for the Mardi Gras theme.
Andre and Diane Therriault, of Donnelly won the prize as the best-dressed couple on March 7. Paisley Leblanc, of Victoria, was the best-dressed woman for the evening and David Leblanc, of Peace River, was the best-dressed man.
Cast members and volunteers come from throughout the Smoky River region.
Becky Sasseville served as kitchen co-ordinator one night and Madeleine Griffin the other night.
Who done it? She did it! Enid Strict, played by Lynn Florence, right, is convicted in the mystery announced by Mme Leveau played by Helene Hausler. 
It’s a Mardi Gras parade! Elaine Moore, front, was selected in the audience as the queen and Austin Doyle as the king in a parade in the murder mystery. Paul Benoit as Dundee Petit stands in back. 
The Local Actors Having Fun [LAHF] Troupe wowed the crowd with its murder mystery dinner theatre Bumped Off On Bourbon Street on March 7 and 14 at the Jean Cote Community Centre. Sitting in the front row, left-right, are director Lise Poirier, Doris Drouin as Svea Bork, Charlotte Kealy [lights and curtains], Hilda Grenier as Suzette and Lynn Florence as Enid Strict. Standing in the back row, left-right, are Madeleine Veitch [prompter and understudy], Paul Benoit as Dundee Petit, Alysia Sharpe as Belle Blowsalot, Helene Hausler as Mme Leveau, Jacquie Melnyk as Scarlet Boudoir, George Tailleur as Jorge Tailor and Brenda Moore as Paray De Lady. 
Andre Therriault, left, and his wife Diane Therriault, of Donnelly, won the top prize as the best-dressed couple at the dinner theatre March 7. 
Left-right, are best-dressed man David Leblanc, of Peace River, and best-dressed woman Paisley Leblanc, of Victoria, at the show. 
A variety of costumes were worn for Mardi Gras. Standing left-right, are Al and Michelle Patterson, of McLennan, Jenny Veraat, of Falher, Jolene Sauvageau, of Tangent, and Kim and Yvonne Aubin, of Culp.
