Chopping at the bit for the Chop House!

Tonight would have been our FIRST performance at the Chop House in Navarre.  So if you have been to the Chop House and saw a murder mystery there, it was not Act4Murder performing that show.  If you DID see another show there, and you DO decide to give murder mystery another try at the Chop House, it will be Act4Murder performing.  And while you're there, tell Chris Manson "Chablis sent me!" and we'll buy you a drink.  And that's a promise!  :)  ~ Paula

CONDO KILLED it this weekend!

Just finished performing A CONDO TO KILL FOR on Friday and Saturday night.  This show reveals some deep, dark secrets of timeshare ownership and the tricky art of timeshare, or "fractional ownership," presentations.  We actually had a couple walk out one time thinking this was really a timeshare presentation.  How amazing is that?!  This cast is stellar - they've been working together in this show, with no replacement actors, since 2012, so it's tight, runs flawlessly and is hysterical.  We'll be bringing this back to the Crab Island Cantina next summer, so watch for it in 2015!  ~~ Paula

Got motive?

If you follow Act4Murder and know anything at all about us, you know that I am the author of all 28 of these comedic murder mysteries.  So here's something to think about:  If I wrote a murder mystery where the killer was just some crazy psychopath who had no real motive other than the desire to satisfy his own bloodthirstiness, would that be appropriate for comedic dinner theater?  I contend it would not be appropriate, and that it would make the majority of you uncomfortable.  So for those few who wonder why the characters argue with one another throughout the night, I'd like to point out that if I don't give them motives, it makes no sense that someone would end up dead.  And since these are MURDER mysteries, someone is actually going to end up dead.  Just something to think about.

~~ Paula Hilton

My 15-seconds of FAME!

I just received an email from a world-famous actor-turned-motivational-speaker asking to read one of my scripts for a play he wants to produce in Ohio.  I have to say I'm pretty flattered.  I hope he likes the play. I'm very nervous waiting to hear back from him.  I'm all tongue-tied and star-struck.  And inspired.  This could be another comedy in the making, but of course, it would end in MURDER….  ~~ Paula

That warm and fuzzy feeling...

I get my hair done at a really cool place called As You Like It, located in Ft. Walton Beach.  When they answer the phone, they say, "It's a great day at As You Like It," which I always like because right off the bat you start feeling like you're having a great day too.  And that's how I'm feeling right now!  It's a great day at Act4Murder!  We have a fantastic show planned for tonight at the Crab Island Cantina in HarborWalk Village, I'm kind-of sort-of caught up on all my "normal" work for the day, and we already found one car for our magnet give-away for July!  It really is a great day at Act4Murder!  ~~ Paula

Dazed and Confused!

This summer is just flying by!  With two shows a week we are beyond busy here at Act4Murder (which is where the "Dazed and Confused" thing comes in), but still are able to find the time to promote our shows at HarborWalk Village and the Boardwalk, pick up a couple more venues for the fall, and most importantly… getting our next new show written!  It's called REDNECK RIVALRY and is going to be out just in time for Halloween.  I'm pulling out all the stops for this one folks - another MUST SEE!

This makes the 29th show I've written to date.  I have a sort of hazy goal of 50, in that I'm not sure when I want to have that 50th show written, but with all the ideas hanging around in my head, I'm optimistic it'll happen!

Anyway, here are a few shots of some shows and activities we've been involved in the past couple of months.  Come see us at Crab Island Cantina in Destin for some LIVE action, or two more opportunities at Angler's on Okaloosa Island.

And like I said… we are busy, busy, busy, but having a blast.  The private parties are starting to come in for the fall, Halloween and Christmas, and a really BIG show in January.  Nothing like being swamped!

Which reminds me… private parties are our specialty.  Call me and schedule yours!  With (almost) 29 shows, I'm pretty sure we have something for everyone, but call me and let's chat about it!  ~~ Paula (850) 862-2885

Our official mascot!

I was looking through my webpages to make sure everything is up-to-date and I'm not missing anything, when I realized I'm missing something!  I didn't have our sweet little baby-waby poopy-dooby Chablis on the "Actors" page.  OK, she doesn't actually act in any of our shows, but she's our official mascot!  So I have her included now.  Check this out

for her acting credentials.  ~~ Paula

Red Leg the Dreaded's Billy Bowleg's invasion!

We LOVE this time of year - it's Billy Bowlegs time!  It's so cool having this very unique local legend and community celebration.  And we have a blast getting our float ready and participating in the Torchlight Parade.  This year was particularly fun, as we added a couple more enhancements to the old girl and Red Leg the Dreaded was in top form.  Red Leg and his sidekick Pillage Ann Freebooty can be seen one more time this week in Navarre - we'll be performing at O'Connor's Irish Pub on Friday night - our first Navarre show!  Very excited to be at O'Connor's and hope to make this a regular thing for us.  Our weekly shows at Angler's Beachside Grill on Okaloosa Island continue, and the Crab Island Cantina in Destin  is starting off strong.  Keep your fingers crossed for us this summer!  Hoping to entertain thousands of visitors and have them come back for more year after year.  ~ Paula

The anticipation is KILLING me!

I started Act4Murder in 2003, and we've been busting our rears ever since finding great venues and groups for performance.  We've found success in Ft. Walton Beach, Niceville, Crestview, Pensacola, and plenty of other locations, but finding our "home" in Destin has been the real challenge.  We want to perform for tourists weekly, and Destin is the place to be!

Tonight marks our debut at the Crab Island Cantina in HarborWalk Village.  We were there all day yesterday talking to folks during the Spring Fest of 2014, and then last night we celebrated my parent's 60th wedding anniversary at Margaritaville, so had more opportunities to talk to folks and see the village at night.  And man is it an exciting place to be!  There's so much going on - live music, delicious food and drinks, zip-lining, rock climbing and other activities... and now our shows are going to be included in this lively location.

Our WHO DUNNIT tonight is also a WE DID IT!  Thanks to all our local friends and followers over the years who have helped build us up, get our name out there, and make this dream a reality! ~~ Paula

On the Job Training

We had an enjoyable couple of weeks off - no rehearsals or shows - but are back at it with two shows this weekend, then shows every Friday for the rest of the month and one private show that should be a blast in Atmore, Alabama.  We haven't had a road trip since October and we do love our road trips.  May will be even busier, with weekly shows at Angler's and a Relay for Life fundraiser in Niceville we're excited about.

We're getting ready for our summer run, so are rehearsing all the different shows we'll be rotating through, in addition to rehearsals for some private parties and one-of-a-kind events.  From here on out it will be very busy for Act4Murder, until we hit June, then it'll be performances only and no rehearsals.  This is a time we all love - it's like when start a new job.  You have all that training to go through, then suddenly you've got it and you just get to DO the job, not LEARN the job.  That's how it is when the rehearsing is done.  Lots of doing.

This summer is going to be very exciting for us, because in addition to weekly shows at our favorite Angler's Beachside Grill on Okaloosa Island, we're adding a weekly Destin show at the Crab Island Cantina.  We're thrilled to be joining the list of activities going on at HarborWalk, and plan to entertain many eager Destin vacationers from June through August, as we do the Okaloosa Island vacationers.

For our local followers, the two shows will be different each week, so be sure to check our calendar for what's going on.  If you're anything like me, you have plenty of company in the summer from friends and family around the country who love coming to our area for a beautiful beach vacation.  With all those out-of-town guests, two shows a week gives you plenty to choose from as far as evening entertainment goes.

Anyway, it was nice to have some time off, but when you love what you do, it's even nicer to get back to work!  ~~ Paula

Looking back...

It was March 13, 2003, and I had a sick knot in the pit of my stomach.  My very first production was about to debut - a fundraiser for the non-profit my sister was the COO of, Horizons of Okaloosa County.  We were about to perform PEACE, LOVE... AND MURDER! And I was a nervous wreck!

It was a long road to this point.  I had moved here from California to Ft. Walton Beach in July of 2002 and decided to start up my own acting troupe.  In California I was performing with several murder mystery troupes, and had written three shows.  The shows had been produced in California, but not by me.  Nor had I ever directed a bunch of actors.  So when I decided to start my own troupe, there were quite a few things I had to figure out.  I needed to establish my business for one thing - I got a dedicated business line, revamped my website, business cards, business license, business name permit... all those little things you have to have to start a small business.  Then... actors.  Where would I get actors?!

My sister wasn't too thrilled with the show we were going to perform - for some reason she "didn't like it," but she played along and put the word out at a board meeting that we were looking for volunteers to perform for their fundraiser.  Lo and behold I got the seven actors needed, so I put together a rehearsal schedule and we were off and running.

I won't go into details, but I was a novice, and had a lot to learn.  Despite that, somehow we pulled it all together, and I even added special unique signature touches to that production that are still in place today.  Table decorations, table signs, special music, a "death dance," all add class and style to an already memorable event.

But that night, March 13, 2003, all I knew was Horizons had sold over 100 tickets and my troupe was about to go on.  I wasn't in the show, so from the side watched as they made their entrances and started what is now one of the finest performance troupes in  Northwest Florida.  They nailed that show, and it set a precedence - we continue to perform annually for Horizons of Okaloosa County, with my sister as CEO now, raising around $80,000 for them in the past twelve years.

And she even changed her mind about PEACE, LOVE.. AND MURDER, deciding it was a pretty funny show after all!

Since then, I've written a total of 28 shows, we've performed over 400 times for almost 20,000 guests - public, private and fundraising events. We've performed in restaurants, convention centers, houses, condos, back yards, even tents.  We've overcome obstacles and difficult economic times, and we continue to grow and thrive.  But most importantly, we continue to entertain - laughter is the best medicine, and we are some of the best "doctors" in town!  Thanks to Horizons for giving us our start 11 years ago, to the restaurants who bring us in to perform for their events, and to everyone who supports us by coming to our shows, advertising our shows, and hiring us for their own fundraising events.  And a special thanks to that first cast of 2003, Marcia WrightReynolds, Jimi Harper, Mark Zaffrann, Mark Violette, Tammy Mixon, Mike WrightReynolds and Kay Yarbrough, who is still an essential actress with Act4Murder today!  ~ Paula

A KILLER night!

I'm still coming down from last night's high after our incredibly successful performance of KILLER IN THE KITCHEN.  Don't get me wrong - I expected the show to go well.  What I didn't expect was for the show to be perfect.  And that the guests (all 130 of them) would give my actors a standing ovation at the end of the night.  Or that the audience participation would be so amazingly hysterical.  Or that the songs and dances would go off without a hitch.  I guess when every single thing comes together and I look around and see people doubled-over laughing, I know I've done my job as a writer and as a director. Very proud of my actors, and myself!  :)

I'd also like to point out the venue was superb, as usual.  The show was at the Wyndham Garden Inn on Okaloosa Island, and Jessica Young and her crew did their typical amazing job setting up the room and making sure everything went smooth from their end.  The room was just gorgeous, the tables popped (my centerpieces turned out prettier than even I had imagined they would), the food was delicious, and the staff just the nicest people you could ever hope to work with.  Looking forward to the next one there too, in April for the Okaloosa Arts Alliance.  It's truly a pleasure to work at the Wyndham Garden Inn with Jessica and her staff.

And finally, the folks from Horizons are just amazing.  Tracy and her husband Mark go over and beyond. This fundraiser was Tracy's responsibility, and she worked her tush off making sure everything was perfect.  Plus she's a joy to work with.  Every step of the way, this fundraiser was pure fun to organize and put on.  And Mark!  Not sure where to even start with him.  What started as a simple idea last year to give the guests a souvenir photo has turned into a work of art from Mark's end.  He sets each photo up with exact precision and care, making sure to capture everyone in front of our show props, and then he printed, framed (frames handcrafted by my amazing sister, the CEO of Horizons, Dr. Julie McNabb) and distributed them to the guests at the end of the night.  A wonderful extra-special touch that will bring them back again next year!

Thank you to EVERYONE who worked so hard on this show.  It was a labor of love - my parents worked super hard on the props for the show - the DJ cover, stretcher, aprons and the structure needed to hang my "hollywood" banner.  My daughter Rochelle Kimball choreographed our death dance and the actors did her proud last night, not missing a step.  And those actors - Ron Altman, Joe Chase, Chris Manson, Missy Rogers, Sally Whitesell and Kay Yarbrough!  You breath life into those "voices in my head" and turn what I hope to be funny, memorable characters into larger than life, hysterical and unforgettable real people. And that's one of the reasons I love writing!  ~~ Paula

WHO DUNNIT... and who SHOWED it?

So excited!  Our Act4Murder Detective will be at Angler's Beachside Grill today sometime between 1 and 3pm to search for cars with our Act4Murder magnet displayed. The first two cars he "detects" will win a $25 Visa Gift Card!  So go out to Angler's and enjoy a delicious lunch on the beach!

Act4Murder has been performing at Angler's since January of 2011 - we were brought in to provide some fun for the Snowbirds, and have been there ever since.  We love the venue, food and staff, and the events have always been fun and memorable.  Thank you to Angler's Beachside Grill for always being on top of it on show night!  We love you guys and hope the place is jumping on this beautiful sunshiny day!  ~ Paula

Showing our Love!

Today was a special day for Act4Murder.  We routinely volunteer for community events, but today we participated in two!  A group of my actors walked in the Harborwalk Village Mardi Gras parade, throwing out beads and lots of good will, and another group of us bowled in the Emerald Coast Exchange Club fundraising event at the Fort Walton Beach Bowling Alley.  It was a really fun day for all of us, we helped raise money for future Emerald Coast Exchange Club projects, and we added to the fun and excitement of the Harborwalk Village event.  Act4Murder is so lucky to be part of this wonderful community!

So Sad to See You Go!

Act4Murder has been performing for 11 years now - our first show was March 13, 2003, a fundraiser for Horizons of Okaloosa County.  And while Horizons is still here and doing bigger and better things all the time, the venue we performed at, the Summerhouse, is not.  Nor is Scott's in Bonifay, Christopher's Uncorked in Crestview, Brennan's Royal Bee in Destin, Judy's Garden Cafe in Fort Walton Beach, Nickie's in Uptown Station, Fajita's Grill in Miramar Beach, Bayou Blues in Niceville, Los Ponchos on Okaloosa Island, and I could go on and on.  I guess the point is being in the restaurant business is really a tough business.  We've been lucky because we keep finding places to perform, and currently our list of venues is pretty strong.  But tonight, we found out one of our favorites, the Angus Steakhouse in Pensacola, is closing its doors after 40 years.

The Angus has been one of our favorite venues for about three years.  Delicious food, fantastic staff, perfect performance area, and you couldn't ask for a better green room.  And it's a fun "road trip" buzzing over to Pensacola for the show.  It was shocking to find out tonight was our last show - I think poor RED LEG the DREADED had a very difficult time concentrating, but they somehow got through it and said goodbye to our fans over there.

We're keeping our eyes open for a new venue, but just wanted to be sure to say to the folks at the Angus - thank you for all you did for us, and we are very sorry to see you go!  Best of luck!  ~~ Paula

A Dandy Candy Birthday!

Today is our own Jessika Kelsh's birthday!  The lovely and talented Jessika has played Candy Gram since 2007 for Act4Murder in two shows - DEATH BY VALENTINE and DEATH BY CANDYGRAM.  SPOILER ALERT: Next year I'm planning a new one - ROMANCING THE SCONE - where Candy puts her money to good use by purchasing a restaurant specializing in baked delicacies.  And Candy is excited to not only have her own restaurant, but FINALLY her own boyfriend, Hugh Jeego.  Oh, Hugh's a looker alright, but he knows it and I'm guessing Candy's Mom, Hart Braker, Aunt Bubble Braker, and Dad Rock Bottom aren't too excited about this gold-digging attention-seeking rabble-rouser.  And if Hugh takes one more hit out of Drew's flask, poor Hugh may be in deeper trouble than even HE could drum up on his own.

Only 11 months until the premier!  :)

Happy Birthday Sweet Dandy Candy!  Act4Murder LOVES you!  ~~ Paula, proud Mom

Meet RED LEG THE DREADED, pirate extraordinaire!

It's a beautiful day in Act4Murder-land!  We are getting ready for several exciting events - this week we have a show in Pensacola at one of our favorite restaurants, the Angus Steakhouse, on Thursday night.  The food is delicious there, it's a nice big room to work in, the green room is comfortable and accommodating, and most importantly, this staff knows how to rock it! Never a hitch at the Angus.  If you're in the Pensacola area, you should definitely give them a call.

Then on Friday night we'll be at the Foxwood Country Club in Crestview putting on a fundraiser for the Duke it Out team for Relay for Life.  I survived a miserable bout of cancer back in 2006 - a rare form called Leiomyosarcoma - and my Mom went through breast cancer last year - our personal experiences make this an even more important fundraiser for us.  For both we'll be performing THE MYSTERY OF RED LEG THE DREADED, PIRATE OF THE GULF.  It's the show with the longest title (out of the 28 I've written to date), and may be the funniest.  Hope you can make one of these two events.  Visit our website for the phone numbers and prices etc. or send me an email at act4murder@act4murder.com.

The next event we're planning is a fundraiser for Horizons of Okaloosa County, where we'll be premiering my newest show, KILLER IN THE KITCHEN.  More on that later - hard to imagine this pile in the hallway will become stellar props for the show!!  ~~ Paula

Act4Murder - Restaurant Professionals!

I am not one of those people who gloss over what went wrong. And what COULD have gone wrong at Beal Street in FWB was colossal. We showed up to set up our relatively easy show for 84 folks to find the restaurant in complete disarray. The 15 6-tops promised were nowhere to be found. There were standard booths and 4-tops, a couple of 6-tops, and 4 banquet style tables with no chairs. I'm looking around thinking... hmmm. I may have to re-figure my table configuration, but not alarmed at that point. Then the phone rang, and we were informed the owners would NOT be at the show, one of them had to be taken to the emergency room for "exhaustion," and we were on our own. We discussed canceling, but realized that would mean 84 folks expecting a great Valentine's Day night out would be disappointed. So... we decided to press. I started counting chairs and tables, and realized we were very short. Then came another phone call - we'd need to send someone to the hospital to pick up the silverware etc. needed for the show from the owner's car. Oh, and we didn't know what people had ordered. And we didn't know who had purchased in advance. And... At that point.. I LOST it. A bit of hysteria along with a face full of hives (I couldn't see out of my right eye for most of the night because the hive there was so large), but decided the best thing to do would be to call my sister who is nothing but logical and sensible. I got lucky. She was with my niece who is my sister times two. They both headed over, and ALL my actors got there as soon as they could to clean and set up tables (two of them brought more tables and chairs from their own homes), reconfigure seatings, and as the night went on, to PLATE and SERVE ALL THREE COURSES. My niece had to go to K-Mart and buy plasticware, as the restaurant didn't have near enough.  At one point my daughter Jessika, who is IN the show, was bar tending because they didn't have adequate coverage. And man, when she got behind the bar she made it her OWN!  Everyone stepped up and brought their own special skills into the mix. It was incredible.

You know what I learned tonight?! Act4Murder is absolutely amazing. In every way possible. We ROCK!!!!!!!!!

By the way, not only can we run a restaurant, but our show was flawless.  Comments back from the guests included, "Stepped up in a very difficult situation - put the show on despite the challenges!" "Awesome show! So glad we came!", "Love, love, loved!" and my personal favorite, "Thanks for going through with the show even though ALL the responsibilities fell on ya'll. Great way to celebrate the day and our anniversary." And that's one reason I'm so happy we pressed!  ~ Paula Hilton, Proud Founder of Act4Murder

Sunday night Who Dunnit

The cast of DEATH BY CANDYGRAM did it again last night at the French Quarter Grill in Niceville.  It was a smaller show than we planned for, but a great show none-the-less.  Gerald T. said "It was terrific.  We will definitely come to the next one!" Terry W. had this to say, "Entertaining funny Who Dunnit."  KR said "Loved it," and Michelle D. proclaimed "Awesome!  Great show!" Glad we made an impression!  Wondering though - is it a show on Sunday night that keeps people away?  Because if you've ever eaten at the French Quarter Grill, you know the food there is amazing and the price tag of $45 for a 3-course meal (which includes Mike Swett's world-famous chocolate chip bread pudding), show, tax and tip is worth it.  What are your thoughts about Sunday night performances?  ~~ Paula

Nailed it!

They nailed it in Destin tonight.  The cast of DEATH BY CANDYGRAM had this to say about the show:  "It was the best audience you can imagine.  And the best way to start out our run of four shows.  Just a fantastic night!"  "Everyone had a blast - the snowbirds AND the young folks that were there."  "That thing about Drew?  Yeah.  Everytime he opened his mouth they howled.  So no, they did NOT find him appalling."

Great job cast!  Couldn't be prouder of you. Now on to the French Quarter Grill tomorrow - fantastic venue, hope the show goes just as well!  ~~ Paula

Woo-Hoo it's DREW!

It's tough working when you don't feel 100%, but the show must go on!  I have a cold, but am getting everything together for tonight's show at the American Legion in Destin. Last year's show was successful with a fairly full house, but this year we are SOLD OUT -  can't wait to hear that room full of Snowbirds and their guests laughing it up.  Will they appreciate Drew Blood?  Chris says they'll either love him or be completely appalled.  Can't wait to see which way they go!  ~~ Paula

Candy Dandy

Had a really fun rehearsal tonight for DEATH BY CANDYGRAM.  This cast is a little crazy.  You wouldn't guess that from looking at us.  "Candy" wasn't there, but the rest of us oldies had a pretty good time cutting up.  Don't get me wrong - we get the work done, but we do it laughing!  We started the evening with dinner at the Sons of Italy in Fort Walton Beach - they really know how to put out a delicious baked spaghetti!  I highly recommend you spend a Friday night there sometime, as they put on a delicious dinner every Friday night.  Then rehearsal... found out tomorrow night's show at the American Legion is sold out, and hoping the others will follow suit. Check our schedule at www.act4murder.com/calendar to see where we'll be and when we'll be there. It was a great day - not just a fantastic dinner and productive rehearsal, we also had an article published here at www.850me.com about Act4Murder.  Other than changing the gender of our director (me), it's a great article.  You should check that out too! ~~ Paula

A Really Big Shoe Tonight

Tonight Act4Murder is performing for hundreds of law enforcement types in Walton County. Think maybe I should sneak my song in? - Chris

A (Murderous) Valentine Gift for You

January was our best month since I can remember, with great shows in Fort Walton Beach, Shalimar and Pensacola plus our annual awards celebration in Santa Rosa Beach. Meanwhile, February is off to a great start with a huge, HUGE production of MURDER ON THE REBOUND for 500 or so folks with a sheriff's organization (wonder if they want me to sing my hit single "Spring Break in the Walton County Jail"?). Next weekend, we're bringing back our Valentine's show DEATH BY CANDYGRAM in which I play Rock Steady, father to the young heiress Candy Valentine (Jessika Kelsh). The cast also includes Joe Chase, Cynthia Bergquist and Ken Olson. Heidi Best-Swift is joining the cast this go-round as Bubble Braker. Performances are Saturday night, Feb. 8, at the American Legion in Destin (best bar in town), and Sunday, Feb. 9, at our favorite Niceville restaurant, the French Quarter Grill. More info here - www.act4murder.com/calendar. See you soon, Murder fans! Chris

1.9.13 - A Great Event at South Walton's Coastal Branch Library

We don't get to perform in SoWal nearly enough, so we were thrilled that the Walton County Coastal Branch Library invited our fearless leader Paula to kick off its winter series. This was our third appearance, and I was delighted to join Ron Altman, Cynthia Bergquist and Kay Yarbrough for some abridged scenes from three shows, complete with quickie costume changes and at least one technical malfunction that I shall forever refuse to take the blame for.

Huge thanks to Linda Thompson and all the good folks at the Library, and all the nice people we met. Especially the ones that laughed. - Chris

2014 - Our Best Year Ever... So Far

Act4Murder made the cover of the Northwest Florida Daily News SHOWCASE this past Thursday, and we were featured in a new magazine called DESTIN LIFE. In addition, we've performed two shows so far - DEADLY VOWS at Angler's Beachside Grill in Fort Walton Beach Friday and a triumphant return to FWB's Coach-N-Four for RED LEG THE DREADED, PIRATE OF THE GULF.

Today, Sunday, we're rehearsing one of our favorites - MURDER ON THE REBOUND - for a huge private event in the spring. Hope to see everyone soon. Check our events calendar at www.act4murder.com/calendar. - Chris