‘Mummy Dearest’

Without a Cue offers this murder-mystery dinner show at Fisher’s Tudor House in Bensalem, Pa.

By: Stuart Duncan
   The murder-mystery dinner series at Fisher’s Tudor House Restaurant in Bensalem, Pa., has been on summer hiatus and just started up again. That always is a somewhat slow process, but the current mystery, Mummy Dearest, which runs through the end of January, is a real dandy. It’s challenging, more fun than many and nicely performed. It runs on Saturday nights into November and then adds Fridays as the audiences get larger.
   The theme is a surprise party to celebrate the triumphs of the esteemed archeologist Dr. Richard Denile. Imma N. Denile, our hostess, is hoping that her husband will regale us with some stories of his adventures. He has dug in such spots as Luxor, partied in Paris and has just recently unearthed a pharaoh’s tomb and discovered more than even he imagined.
   But our hostess turns out to be obnoxious and a lush as well. We can sense that the doctor holds her responsible for his lack of suitable recognition for his exploits. She has a sharp tongue, often uses it in an uncensored manner and faces spirits that might well be worse than the one’s she finds in her always-full glasses.
   Of course there are other characters around, just as unsavory. Dr. Miles Sphinx, also an archeologist, but an arch rival shows up, looking for all the world like a refugee from an Indiana Jones outtake. He brings with him the unwelcome news of the Curse of Corfu. And then there is Denile’s faithful assistant, Abu Rama Asi Bob, fez and all, with an accent that oozes hieroglyphics and malapropisms ever at the ready.
   The audience this particular night is alert and attentive as the giggles turn into full-throated laughs. There are two brides-to-be in the restaurant, plus three more with birthdays — a reminder that it is always more fun to show up with an entourage and that murder-mysteries are particularly fun spots for celebrants.
   The same acting company entertains also at the Cock ‘n Bull Restaurant in Peddler’s Village in Lahaska, Pa., and while comparisons are odious, it must be pointed out that the food at Fisher’s does not come up to the standards at the Cock ‘n Bull. The entrées offered, for example, include a chicken dish (in this case, chicken marsala) and the fish dish (in this case baked salmon), but the Cock ‘n Bull offers a roast beef entrée. At Fisher’s, a sirloin steak entrée is offered, but at an extra cost of $7. Likewise, there was a vanilla pudding for dessert. Ice cream was available, but again, at extra cost. Both localities offer bar service, not included in the overall price.
   The cast for the evening included some of my personal favorites. David Micun played Dr. Denile, with his usual dry (but very funny) wit; Traci Connaughton was his sotted wife (cute as a button even when sloshed). James Bryce handled the role of Dr. Sphinx, and a newcomer, a very talented Bob McCormick, played the Egyptian assistant with great flair.
Mummy Dearest continues at Fisher’s Tudor House, 1858 Street Road, Bensalem, Pa., through Jan. 28. Performances: Sat. 7 p.m. (plus Fri. later). Tickets cost $35. For information, call (215) 244-9777. On the Web: www.fisherstudor.com or www.withoutacue.com