Ortonville- You don’t have to be a detective to enjoy a good party.
There will be a mystery to be solved when there is a Murder at the Old Mill, at 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 13, but it’s all in good fun, and for a good cause, and everyone is invited, regardless of your inclination toward clue solving.
‘This will be a fun evening, even if you don’t want to participate in the ‘whodunit? part,? said Judy Miracle, president of the Ortonville Community Historical Society, which is hosting the event. ‘Come and enjoy the party.?
Judy Miracle and village resident and OCHS member Aileen Champion have written a ‘Clue? type play, ‘Murder at the Old Mill,? which will be performed by eight characters during the fundraiser, which features hors d’oeuvres and other light refreshments and plenty of seating and ambiance at the Old Mill, located at 366 Mill Street in the village.
The story begins when a $1 million sapphire necklace is found in between bricks in the basement of the Old Mill. Ownership of the necklace is traced to the Marshall family and Blake Marshall III (played by Jason Beckman) is determined to be the rightful heir. A party to celebrate the find is thrown at the Old Mill, and among the invitees are Blake’s ex-wife, Allison Marshall (played by Amber Beckman), as well as Blake’s cousin Cyrus (played by Tom Peters) and his wife, Anna (played by Aileen Champion), and cousin Norman Marshall and his wife, Susan. The town’s hairdresser, Tiffany, who knows all the dirt on everyone is also in attendance (and played by Sue Blank). All of them end up being suspects with their own motives.
The story is narrated by ‘the mayor,? played by Wayne Wills, and as the party is happening, Blake will come to an untimely end. Guests at the fundraiser will have the opportunity to question suspects and make their best attempt at solving the crime. There will be a prize for whomever solves the mystery of the ‘Murder at the Old Mill,? and if there is more than one detective who correctly identifies the killer, a drawing will determine the winner.
Tickets are $15 each and can be obtained at the Old Mill from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays and during regular business hours at First Impressions Hair Salon, 46 Mill St., and Seelbinder Insurance Agency, 575 S. Ortonville Road. All proceeds will be used for repairs and improvements to the Old Mill Museum. Details: Judy Miracle at 248-884-8585.