Show Details
Shows:
Halifax River Yacht Club
Feb 8, Apr 26, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Description:
A dinner theatre whodunnit. Where: The Halifax River Yacht Club in Daytona Beach. When: October 1934. What: A dinner being held in honor of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt is interrupted by the sudden death of a leading industrialist. How: Prussic acid. Who: That's anyone's guess but the suspect list keeps growing!
Historical Information:
A dinner theatre play written and directed by the playhouse as a benefit for the Halifax Historical Society.
Loretta Arthur was given the job of creating a murder mystery for the 2025 annual fundraiser for the
Halifax Historical Society. When she reached out for help from the Daytona Playhouse, we were more than willing to provide some assistance. Robin Bassett was tasked with directing the show and, after learning a script was needed, she enlisted the help of local historical fiction writer (and Daytona Playhouse box office manager), Frank Butterfield. Frank was able to craft an intriguing and historically-accurate who-done-it using Loretta’s requested characters. He even incorporated some of his own fictional characters from prior publications. The Historical Society members took on about half of the 19 roles needed for the show while Daytona Playhouse actors were enlisted to play the other half.
Working together, this large cast was able to bring Frank’s murder mystery to life. Along the way, the cast enjoyed getting to know each other and supporting each other as some of the cast members had never performed before. The show involved memorizing lines as well as improvisation as the characters interacted with the audience throughout the evening.
“Tides of Deception” was performed twice, both times as dinner theatre at the Halifax River Yacht Club. On Saturday, February 8, 2025, the performance was held as a fundraiser for the Halifax Historical Society and, on Saturday, April 26, 2025, it was held as a monthly entertainment for the Halifax River Yacht Club members. Both shows were well-received with audiences commenting on the historical accuracy and the up-close and personal acting talents of all involved.
Prepared by Robin Bassett, VP of Production, Daytona Playhouse
May 3, 2025
