On the evening of Wednesday, April 10, the Culinary Arts dining room transformed from a plain eatery into a stage for a fun and creative evening of entertainment and culinary delights. The “Murder Mystery Dinner” served up “In the Peach of the Night,” a thrilling murder mystery with a side of southern humor, put on by “Mission: Improv-able…!”, an improvisation comedy troupe founded by Manchester Communication professor Albert Kim. More than 40 people purchased tickets for the event to raise money for ICE Radio, Manchester’s student-run radio station.
Appetizers included fried catfish slider sandwiches, deviled eggs and Cajun sausage.
“The hors d’oeuvres are molto bene!” [very good in Italian], said Ian Thomas, a Manchester student.
The Murder Mystery Dinner was a regular event on campus up until 5 years ago. For returnees, the dinner was a welcome development.
“I’ve been to these dinners before, and I know Albert Kim and his group do a great job,” said Joe Navarra, who is director of the Manchester Office for Students with Disabilities. “They really ham it up and make it a lot of fun. He’s hilarious, the other actors are really into it, the food is good, and it’s a chance to get together with colleagues.”
Newcomers also enjoyed the evening.
“Having some type of activity with the food was an amazing experience,” said Brianna Saling, a Manchester student.
The event raised hundreds for ICE Radio, as well as the spirits of everyone involved.
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Chuck E. Chan is on the case!
Chuck E. Chan, aka Manchester Communication Prof. Albert Kim, led attendees through the story.
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Cajun Sausage was a Tasty Appetizer Bite!
The Southern-themed dinner began with sausage appetizers and continued with fried chicken and gravy, peach cobbler and plenty of sweet iced tea. The food was prepared by the Advanced Food Preparation and Service Management classes and served by the Catering Management class of the Culinary Arts program.
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"Mission: Improv-able...!" Cast of Characters
The members of "Mission: Improv-able...!" put on the show. They are, from left, Chris Savage, Melody Mulder, Sydnie Smith, Casey Hutchinson, Danny Diaz, Barbara Savage and Albert Kim.
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Students Solved the Crime!
The attendees seated at the "Lemon Meringue" table solved the murder. Above with the killer, Barbara Savage, center, are, from left, Ethan Moffitt, Sara Buck, Harper M. Hosendove, Molly Coleman, Nico Arroyo and Erin Rutledge, all Manchester students.
