The cast is superbly trained in the tricky challenges of acting, singing and, especiallly, the art of banter.
By: Stuart Duncan
It has always been a bit surprising that "murder mystery theater" is such a strong genre in Pennsylvania and almost non-existent next door in New Jersey. The granddaddy of all the sites is the Cock ‘n Bull Restaurant in Peddler’s Village in Lahaska, Pa., where the pub downstairs has been the spot where mysteries have been unfolding for 21 years on Friday and Saturday evenings.
One of the reasons is a perfect setting the room holds 100 people, has a complete bar and tables of six and eight, nicely set around an acoustically balanced room. There is always a choice of fish, a chicken entrée and roast sirloin of beef, accompanied by a good salad and dessert, usually a New York cheesecake with toppings of one’s choice. The price is right at just under $40 (of course drinks cost extra).
But the real hero here is the cast. Through the years, the company has remained superbly trained in the rather tricky challenges of acting, singing from time to time and, especially, the art of banter at the tables with the audiences, which are admittedly sometimes raucous.
At the moment the show, by Without a Cue Productions, is a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Titled Who Killed the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, it takes us back to the days of Elvis and some of his minions. The company of six includes the usual suspects: first, "Bonzy" Bonzerelli, the emcee of American Grandstand, a real throwback and a legend in his own mind. And then there’s Patti LaGong, a fading diva of the doo-wop set who seems to already have had her 15 minutes of fame.
Colonel Barker, of course, is the King’s old cigar-chomping manager and he certainly has gone from Graceland to Wasteland in the years since. And, what would we do without Bunnie Hopper, the ultimate groupie who, rumor has it, was the one to spend the King’s last night with him, and Priswilla Wesley, the King’s widowed bride. She still wears black. And, finally, Melvis Wesley, the long lost twin to the King who is obviously hoping to fill the jumpsuit of his not-so-dearly- departed brother.
Since each show runs about three months, and the troupe has grown in popularity to the extent that it sometimes does as many as four a day (for company parties and the like), you may not see the same cast that I did this past weekend. But I found many of the veterans at their best: Neil Prusell as "Bonzy"; Debbie Bell as Patti; Traci Connaughton as Bunnie, with a terrific giggle denoting complete bewilderment; Rick Deacon as the Colonel; David Micun as Melvis, at the very top of his game; and Jessica Wyant as Priswilla.
And, at the same performance, we had a sprightly gathering of about two dozen "ladies of the Red Hats"an organization that has been supporting theater throughout the area for years and is always noticeable by the bright red hats members wear.
The murder mystery at Peddler’s is still one of the area’s greatest bargains. Take a few friends with you it’s much better with a table of your own.
Who Killed The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll continues at the Cock ‘n Bull Restaurant, Peddler’s Village, routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, Pa., through Jan. 27. Performances: Fri.-Sat. 7 p.m. Meal, show and gratuity cost $39.95. For information, call (215) 794-4051. On the Web: www.withoutacue.com

