Buca di Beppo to Serve “Murder with a Side of Marinara”

“When Oil and Water Don’t Mix” may sound like an instructional on making the perfect vinaigrette, yet it’s actually the title of a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater performance to be held this Thursday, May 5, at .

“It’s about a senator who has announced his candidacy for President then keels over and dies, and the audience has to figure out who did it. It’s murder with a side of marinara.” says Barrington High School senior Katie Buffum, who wrote, produced and directed the play.

As part of a graduation requirement Buffum and her fellow Seniors are required to do a ten page paper and subsequent fifteen hours of related field work. Buffum’s thesis examined the idea that “theater is the best medium for getting controversial issues into the public eye.” Her Whodunit on Thursday night, she says, will humorously touch upon issues such as the extra-marital affairs of Presidents and the BP oil spill.

“I’m not really interested in politics, but I picked a political theme because I thought it was easiest to work with without getting too preachy,” Buffum says. “Political issues you can poke fun at and the audience can feel good about it, unlike something like gay rights or suicide where it would be easy to get preachy.”

Originally Buffum wanted to have the event catered in her high school cafeteria, but quickly realized the cost would be too high. She approached Buca di Beppo, which opened last September, about using their banquet room. The restaurant, which is owned by Planet Hollywood, worked with Buffum on pricing and menu. Attendees to the event will be served a three-course meal including appetizer, entrée and dessert.

Eight high school students with prior theater experience will make up the cast of characters. Each murder suspect will mingle with the diners answering questions about the murder and offering up theories, which may or may not be red herrings. Audience members will write their sleuthing conclusions on a card at the end of the evening, and the correct guesses will be put in a hat for a chance to win prizes donated by In Your Ear, Alayne White Spa and Barrington Books. 

“I’m excited for the entire experience,” says Buffum, who is off to study education and English at Cornell College this Fall. “The purpose of making art is to share it with people.”

“When Oil and Water Don’t Mix” will be performed for one-night only on Thursday, May 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets cost $25 for everyone except students and senior citizens, who pay $20.  All proceeds go to the Barrington High School Stagemasters program. For tickets, contact Buffum here.