Since
1990, audiences have witnessed the amusing mysteries of Murder Afloat
while cruising along the Savannah River. Professional actors convincingly
play out scenerios armed with a clever and often times humorous script
that changes each season. Each year writer and director Jack North
creates a believable cast of characters who board the boat. Some of
these scenarios have included; a family reunion, a group outing for
therapy patients, and a movie crew on location.
"We
try to do it realistically," North said in a recent interview.
"The audience knows they're attending a mystery show of course,
but they don't know who the actors are...we don't introduce them
until the show is over."
The
cast boards the riverboat along with everyone else. They mingle
with the audience, arguments may break out between cast members
as the story unfolds, then one of the cast is murdered. An announcement
is made that the captain is turning the boat back to the dock so
the police can investigate.
Scenes
are played out in various locations on the boat, sometimes simultaneously.
"If you miss a scene, which you probably will, you may decide
to confer with other passengers and compare notes," adds North.
The
audience is equipped with paper and pencil at the beginning of the
cruise so they can jot down notes and question suspects. After the
murder they are given an opportunity to examine physical evidence,
then turn in their cards with their guess as to the culprit. A prize
is given to one of the correct entries in every show.
"We
point out that everyone on the boat is a suspect," North said.
"The audience is encouraged to solve the crime before docking
so the police won't have to detain everyone on the boat."
