CORNWALL, Ontario – Karaoke becomes a vicious game when a grand, grand prize is at stake in the hilarious new murder mystery, Rockin’ With Bernie, a Murder on the Funny Side Theatre Productions production, which will be staged a The Social, later his month.
Among the zany characters involved, Inspector Clumso, who started singing karaoke to relieve job stress, is on the case when the contest’s host, Bernie, is murdered. He is joined by Goldie Bullion, a Canadian Idol star who thinks she is a shoe-in for the contest; Lacy Frock, a reporter; Jessica Jetski, a travel agent; Rolly Dice, a gambler; and Ellie Fisher, an Olympic swimming hopeful, whose career was sidelined after a car accident, and is now a major suspect.
A fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Society, the evening includes a great selection of hors d’oeuvres, throughout the night, cash bar, plenty of audience participation, and an entertaining show, featuring live karaoke performance by the likes of Elvis, Tracy Chapman, Shirley Bassey, Gloria Gaynor, Miranda Lambert, and Richard Cheese.
“This cause is near and dear to my heart because my father passed away from Alzheimer’s,” said Laurie McRae-Bingley, Murder on the Funny Side, writer and director.
“I remember having to get an alarm system for my mother because (my father) would leave in the middle of the night, she said. “My mom was in her 70s, and when I would stay there for a week while she would go on holiday, I was exhausted. I couldn’t imagine how she could do it every day – the hours and the confusion. I don’t think a lot of people understand how difficult it is for the family. They need a lot of support.”
The fundraiser will also include a raffle and silent auction with many great items to bid on from Archambault Iron Works, Best Western Parkway Inn, Pommier Jewellers, Gordon Jewellers, Vital Glow, and many more.
“The show is a lot of fun,” said McRae-Bingley. “I have to stress that because I think people get a little nervous that it’s something too serious. I want them to come out and have fun. And I don’t want people to think that we’ll go out and pick on certain people. We know who doesn’t mind; we can tell. We want everyone to have a good time.”
Rockin’ With Bernie fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Society, will be held on Saturday, May 23, at The Social Conference and Event Centre, 130 Sydney Street. Doors open at 7:00. The Cost is $45.00 per person. For tickets and information, call Laurie 613-362-3735.
