By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – The Pelham Beautification, Entertainment and Arts Team will host a murder mystery dinner theatre at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena on Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3.

The event is produced in conjunction with South City Theatre, and the show’s director, Lisa Ponder, spoke on the new production.

“South City is excited to partner with the Pelham BEAT this spring for Hulas and Homicide,” Ponder said. “With a great cast and a fun script that is set in Hawaii, this looks to be a great time for everyone.”

Chef Christina Coffey of the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena is set to serve a buffet of Hawaiian-style food to enjoy before the show, keeping with the production’s theme. Ticket information is available on the Pelham BEAT Facebook page as well as on Eventbrite.com.

Coffey recently won top honors and recognition for her culinary creations at the recent Taste of Pelham competition. Food choices at the upcoming event will include Huli-Huli chicken, Citrus Hola salmon, Polynesian vegetables, Hawaiian-style mac and cheese, ambrosia and a pineapple panna cotta for dessert.

Hulas and Homicide, penned by Jack Pachuca, takes place in the Coconut Lounge of the Kikiwai Queen Hotel. Winnie Waheli is a champion hula dancer who is found murdered the day of the hula competition, setting up a dramatic murder mystery. The cast consists of veteran, local actors and regular featured performers from South City Theatre. A brief intermission after act one will give patrons the opportunity to ask characters about the case in an effort to solve the mystery.

To add to the fun, patrons are encouraged to wear Hawaiian-themed attire. Along with the buffet-style dinner, a cash bar will be open for cocktails.

The Pelham BEAT is presenting the performance with the aid of a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts, the support of the city of Pelham and Mr. Bugg’s, the event’s corporate sponsor.