Delta Stageworks Theatre Society is putting on an immersive 1920s-themed murder mystery based around actual people and events from the city’s colourful history.
Set at Pansy May Stuttard’s infamous, real-life “Goat Ranch” cabaret on the Tsawwassen-Point Roberts border and inspired by real-life local characters and actual events during the Prohibition years, A 1920s Delta Murder Mystery transports audiences back to the world of bootleggers, rum-runners and secret speakeasies that existed on the margins of Delta society.
“When a shocking (fictionalized) crime unfolds at Pansy May’s one night as a rum-running operation goes south, Ladner policeman Slim Cameron must untangle the web of secrets and lies before the killer disappears into the night,” reads a description of the show in a recent press release.
The storylines are inspired in part by Lord Don't Want Me, Devil Won't Take Me, a popular local history book chronicling Pansy May Stuttard’s colourful life written by Delta authors Gary Cullen and Jim Dwight.
The one-night-only show, which takes place Saturday, May 31 at the historic Red Barn in Southlands (6333 Market Ave., Tsawwassen), serves as a fundraiser for a new theatrical project from Delta Stageworks exploring the lived experiences of people in Delta during the early 20th century.
“We’re so thrilled to be back at the Red Barn with a show again as we start this new project,” Peg Christopherson-Keenleyside, the company’s artistic lead, said in a press release. “It’s exciting to find ways to make history come alive for people and tell stories in ways that spark an interest in knowing more about local history.”
Christopherson-Keenleyside, who wrote and produced Living History (Delta 1914-1918: A Historical Re-enactment), Delta Stageworks’ last history-centred project that focused on stories about young men and women from Ladner during the First World War that was hosted at Kirkland House in September of 2018, noted that connecting people with the stories about lives lived in Delta is central to the company’s artistic mandate.
Playing the real life characters of Pansy May Stuttard and Slim Cameron (the night’s detective) are Delta Stageworks associate artist Renee Iaci (co-founder and co-artistic director of shameless hussy productions) and award-winning improviser Jeff Gladstone (co-founder and director of education for Tightrope Theatre), supported by Delta Stageworks performers and guests.
“Jeff is a master improviser and it’s a total thrill to work with him as the cast explores Delta’s history, creating a show that resonates for contemporary audiences,” Christopherson-Keenleyside said.
While audience members aren’t being asked to be characters in the plot, Christopherson-Keenleyside says dressing in 1920s attire and guessing who the murderer is will up the immersive fun factor.
Presented by Southlands Centre for Farming & Food, the evening will also feature a live jazz band headed up by local favourites Mike and Em Greene, a charcuterie buffet, dancing and signature speakeasy-style cocktails.
A 1920s Delta Murder Mystery runs from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 31. Tickets are $75 for adults (you must be 19 or over to attend), $63.75 for seniors 65 and over, and include the charcuterie buffet. Tickets can be purchased online at deltastageworks.ca.
