It’s Nov. 12, 1928, and there’s &uot;Evil on the Beach.&uot;

Yesterday was the one-year anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I, and last night at a secluded spot in Florida, three former comrades-in-arms reunited at Sea Breeze, a rustic lodge on the Gulf of Mexico.

The three became friends while recuperating in a French hospital and had vowed to celebrate the anniversary of the armistice together.

This morning, however, a body was discovered face down on the beach. Russian writer Gregor Manov had been murdered when someone crushed his skull with a large piece of driftwood.

This is the mystery that will be solved at Bernie’s on Main Street in Columbiana on Tuesday, April 12.

And for only $50 each, you, too, can help to solve it.

The mystery dinner theater production is limited to 140 seats and the cost includes a buffet beginning at 6 p.m. and the show at 7:30 p.m.

Several well-known local residents will participate in the dinner theater including Columbiana Mayor Allan Lowe, who plays the part of a captain in the U.S. Army; Police Chief Johnny Brown, a Belgian businessman; and Bonnie Atchison, a flamboyant French woman.

These three are suspects in the murder and join others including the resort owner, a mysterious Polish guest and the maid.

The production is a fundraiser for the Mary Ellen Estes Memorial team that will participate in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

The relay, which is sponsored by Columbiana Health and Rehabilitation, is set for Friday, April 22 at 7 p.m. at the Columbiana Sports Complex on McDow Road.

The vaudeville-type performance during dinner will include comedy, skits, music and dance and will be followed by the mystery provided by Have Mystery – Will Travel Mystery Dinner Theater. Guests are invited to dress in casual beach or tropical attire.

There will be prizes includng Birmingham Barons box seat tickets, dinner at Bernie’s and two 30-minute massage therapy certificates for guests who solve the murder. Door prizes and mystery gift bags will also be provided.

Tickets for the event are available at city hall, Bernie’s, Columbiana Health and Rehabilitation, Busy Hands and First National Bank