MAT producing Death By Chocolate Saturday

One of the bigger events of Montana Actors' Theatre season is coming up next week - its annual Death By Chocolate seasonal fundraiser and gala.

Andi Daniel will be directing this year's Death By Chocolate production. The theme for the production will be "Thank You Very Much Ship." The scenario was created and written by Morgaine Evans-Lomayesva.

MAT Executive Director Jay Pyette said he wants the public to know to expect something new with this year's play.

"Every year we try to change up Death by Chocolate a bit so it's not just the same old fundraiser each time. After all, we're a theater company so the whole thing needs to be entertaining. Besides that, we have great food," Pyette said.

He said he sees this production as preparation for the year of plays yet to come.

"This event is the primary funding mechanism for MAT and allows us to produce all year long. I don't think most people realize it, but MAT is the most active theatre company in Montana," he said. "We offer more than any other in the state.

"We also offer variety," he added. "From regular plays and musicals to musical-centered events to dinner theatre to our Speakeasy nights and many other things. There really is something for everyone. Without Death By Chocolate though, we would be hard pressed to operate the way we do."

In addition to the performance, there will be other activities offered with the evening's event.

"Besides the normal fundraiser things, Death By Chocolate also has a great end-of-the-night grand prize drawing in which someone always has a chance to win a great trip, but we always theme the contest to the night and the person trying to win always gets to do it in a fun way," Pyette said.

MAT Artistic Director Grant Olson talked more about what the performance has to offer.

"Death By Chocolate is our annual fundraiser event. It consists of an evening of entertainment, food, drink, raffles and our producer auction and sponsorship drive. The performance is an interactive all-inclusive cruise on the Mediterranean Madame."

"The Murder Mystery will be integrated into events of the evening. We won't break away to show as many scenes this year, rather the events of the murder and further aftermath, will happen as the evening unfolds," Olson said.

Some of the cast members are Jake Palmer, who will be performing as Penelope Vanderwilheilmanhaus, also known as Penny. Martin Holt will be Theodore William Vandervilheilmanhaus, also known as Teddy. Mark Cichosz will be Freddy Phindem. Bill Dolph plays as the Duke Douché. Kaley Palmer is Les I'nches. Angela Murri is Anita Betaloyer. Bonnie Ortner will be performing as Dr. Doll Finn, and Caroline Tuss is Maddy Reef.

"We have live music, the band Pier Pressure, consisting of Joey Todd, Corey Kopp, Giuseppe Cortese and Alex Chvilicek, will be playing some classic Yacht Rock and Lounge Music from the time period. There will be some dance contests and time to dance," Olson said.

The food will be Mediterranean- themed, and a Chocolate Dipping Fountain will also be utilized. Guests will have a chance to win a travel package. In the past, people have won trips to see the Dallas Cowboys play, or a trip to National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Some great Montana vacation packages will be a part of the prizes, also, he said.

"We encourage the audience to dress up, from formal wear to Aloha Shirts, even though this ship is sailing in the Mediterranean," he said.