LUCY BURDETTE: you may remember last year that the friends of the Key West library hosted a murder mystery tea event featuring Ann Cleeves and the script she wrote to share with libraries across the world. Though we didn’t know exactly what we were doing, it was a huge success, and we were determined to repeat it.
I *might* have volunteered to write the script this year… Here are some tips and tricks in case you want to pull a stunt like this yourself!
Secure an author. Ahem. Easier said than done. Already worrying about next year...
Decide on a theme and a murder. This was easy. I live in Key West, I write mysteries set in Key West. Key lime pie is a thing. A poisoned key lime pie was the next logical step. I happen to know that our head librarian has ordered a nursing dummy to set up the crime scene. There will be a blonde wig involved, along with a key lime pie. (The staff at the Key West Library is amazing!)
Choose motives for four suspects. This is hard, but critical. Money? Love? Greed? Lust? Loathing? Ambition? They aren't going to tell...
Write the play. Ahem. See above, easier said than done.
Share the theme with the library staff so they can set up the crime scene, including any physical clues. (If you haven’t been completely successful writing the dialogue so that the audience has a fair shot at guessing the murderer, these clues can relieve the pressure.)
Suggest costumes to actors and hold rehearsal. Tell everyone it’s going to be great and don’t be afraid to ham it up! Write a snappy description and invite the world.
Recruit an amazing team to produce the tea with a tropical twist this time...
Now we have 175 guests registered, with more on the waiting list. Wish us luck! And by the way, if I posted the script on my website, can you imagine libraries actually using it? What else would you need to make this happen at your library?
This sounds delightful, Lucy . . . I'm sure it will be a great success!
ReplyDeleteHope so Joan, it's been fun in the planning!
DeleteIt sounds like great fun! How lovely of you to volunteer to write that. (Selden)
ReplyDeletethanks Selden!
DeleteLucy, how I wish I could be there! It's a bit further drive than RJ Julia. (Sigh)
ReplyDeleteI know Judy, and then there's the bomb cyclone...
DeleteThat's a big job! I'm sure it's going to be fabulous, Lucy. But how will they serve tea to 175 guests, and where?
ReplyDeleteChairs in every open spot in the library...there's an intermission and everyone gets up for snacks and tea
DeleteSounds wonderful and since neither of my libraries (I live on the border between Maine and NH and love having access to both statewide systems) did the Ann Cleeves tea might nudge the Mystery Book Club to look into that as a start.
ReplyDeletethat was a blast--keep up posted!
DeleteHow fun is that! Can't wait to see photos from the event.
ReplyDeleteWe'll be posting:)
DeleteI think libraries everywhere would use it.
ReplyDeleteWe have a theater group in my 55+ community that has put in some murder mystery dinners that they wrote themselves and I bet they would love to have it, especially if they were given license to tweak it for our setting…but then maybe they might like the Key West setting as we are in Florida.
they would be perfect Brenda. I'll work on getting it uploaded once we all survive:)
DeleteYou should charge a minimal fee for it, and limit changes. Assuming you will be copyrighting the work. Otherwise too many complaints from potential users.
DeleteProceeds could go to your charity of choice.
DeleteSo much work but how fun! 175 people? Yikes! That’s a lot of tea! I would certainly share the script with my library!
ReplyDeleteI'm astonished at how many people are coming!
DeleteWhat fun!
ReplyDeleteThe Cincinnati Public Library system is massive with 41 locations, and they do lots of amazing things, including dedicating a third of a floor of the main library to a Makers Studio for patrons. One of our book club members, a children's science book author with more than 50 titles, just turned over her job as Writer in Residence to this year's WIR, and she would know whether they would be interested.
ReplyDeleteSending all good vibes for a fantastic event, Lucy! Wish I could be there for the fun.
Deletethanks Karen!
DeleteOur Friends of the Library has an annual dinner with various themes. Usually, they try to be posh, but I can see this being an interesting departure with tradition. Go for it! -- Victoria
ReplyDeleteOh no we are not at all posh in Key West:)
DeleteI'd forgotten about the Ann Cleeves script until you mentioned it today, Lucy. I think your event is going to go off great--you wait and see--with a crowd that big, everyone is clearly looking for a fun time! And it's certainly something I think our community would get behind.
ReplyDeleteI think it will be loads of fun Flora!
DeleteWhat fun! If Miss Gloria shows up with Hayley Snow I bet they'll figure out whodunit!
ReplyDeletethey certainly could:)
DeleteThis sounds fun!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds amazing, Lucy! Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful, Lucy. Post the script. See what happens! Dare to dream... Oh, and break a leg!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun!
ReplyDeleteRemember to project, not shout, to the balcony (corners of the library) and break a leg. AND have fun!
ReplyDeletesounds like you know what you're doing!
DeleteOh, my gosh, Lucy, that library better name a room for you after all this! It sounds absolutely delightful and SO MUCH WORK! On the other hand, it also sounds like a great (and unique) fundraiser for a library.
ReplyDeleteInstead of publishing the play script, you should write out the complete D-I-Y directions and share those with other libraries. I doubt there's a single mystery author who's NOT within an hour's drive of a library - let's get them all to work!
Good idea Julia, after I get my words for the day on the page!
DeleteWhat huge fun, Lucy! And SO much work! Bravo to you! And I can't wait to hear how it goes and to see photos!
ReplyDeleteI am in awe! I can't even wrap my head around attempting such a feat. Bravo!!!
ReplyDeletethat sounds wonderful, Lucy! A murder mystery play held at the library sounds like a feat!
ReplyDeleteWow wow wow! I am an absolute awe! I cannot even imagine This daunting incredibly difficult task! You are just such a rockstar! Off to read the script… I so wish I could be there! It would be so much fun if we could all all all be there to give you a massive standing ovation!
ReplyDeleteYes if you all come, we'll write a Jungle Red play!
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