‘The Pink Flamingo Murders of 1933’

Silver Star Productions serves up murder-mystery at the Centre Bridge Inn in New Hope, Pa.

By: Stuart Duncan

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The cast of ‘The Pink Flamingo Murders of 1933.’


   The murder-mystery craze continues to be centered on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River. From time to time a few exploratory efforts are launched in New Jersey, but soon wither. Meanwhile the weekend shows at the Cock ‘n Bull at Peddler’s Village continue, nearing a second decade of success. Add now a new entry to the mix — a Friday-night murder-mystery show, The Pink Flamingo Murders of 1933 — presented by Silver Star Productions at the venerable Centre Bridge Inn on River Road, north of New Hope, Pa.
   Venerable is indeed the word: the site was established as a ferry station in 1700 and Centre Bridge House was built five years later. The small village was originally named Mitchell’s Ferry, mostly because Joseph Mitchell bought half of the land that had been deeded by William Penn (500 acres). In actuality, the bridge itself was not built until 1814, was threatened by floods, hit by lightning and, in 1932, caught fire and burned to the ground, where it lay in ruins for a generation.
   The present bridge and the inn were reconstructed in 1962, after yet another fire. Both were specifically designed to resemble the original structures. Jerry and Tina Horan own the inn and nurture it with obvious loving care. In particular the food has earned a superb reputation for fine dining and that alone would set it apart in the murder-mystery genre.
   For example: hors d’oeuvres are passed by a pair of waitresses as the guests gather in the downstairs lounge. Beverages are served not in glasses, but rather in teacups, and we are instantly reminded that the evening’s affair takes place in a 1930s speakeasy known as The Pink Flamingo and that, if asked, we are to reply that we are drinking tea.
   But there is nothing 1930s about the goodies on the trays set before us: Large shrimp with a sauce that hits the tang button just right; marinated roasted red peppers with sharp Provolone over toast points; figs stuffed with blue cheese and walnut mousse; sesame chicken with an Asian vinaigrette; and button mushrooms stuffed with prosciutto and blue cheese. Not your usual fare at these events.
   Nor is the main meal: a salad of mixed greens with spiked cherries, apples and blue cheese topped with candied walnuts and a walnut vinaigrette is followed by a variation of surf and turf — encrusted chicken breast with melted brie, sauced with a raspberry compote, and grilled rock fish on a sweet potato nest with an orange hollandaise accompanied by rice and vegetable.
   The mystery itself took us back seven decades and involved a rather unsavory bunch of "wise guys" who apparently were dealing and double-dealing in booze (illegal at that time, remember?). They came with names such as "Blackie," "Pickles," "Tony Testosterone" and "Brandy LaCoeur." Naturally with names like that, someone is "bumped off" quickly and we are off. Murder-mysteries follow certain types and this one falls into the interactive genre. Some of the guests were assigned roles and a few helpful hints as to how to act. Many of the guests showed a definite flair for the stage.
   On the evening I attended, one of the groups held a birthday bash and all wore ’30s outfits, right down to the flapped headbands and sequined dresses — the men wore checkered suits. It proved once again that for maximum fun at these affairs, it’s best to join a large group and get into the spirit. The cast included many old favorites from other venues: Steve Lobis, Bill Thompkins, Mary Ann Domanska and Jerry Lyden, who produced and directed the show.
   The show was still a bit unpolished in spots, but will obviously smooth out. And there is always the ambiance of the inn with its storied history plus the elegance of the food.
The Pink Flamingo Murders of 1933 continues at Centre Bridge Inn, 2998 N. River Road, north of New Hope, Pa. Performances: Fridays 8 p.m. Tickets cost $60, including dinner and gratuities. Alcoholic beverages not included. For information, call (215) 862-9139. On the Web: www.centrebridgeinn.com