The Clarkston Optimist Club hopes the community will turn out for an evening of intrigue and excitement next month when the organization hosts a mysterious’yet hilarious’evening of ‘Murder ‘midst the Magnolias.?
The dinner theater event, a whodunit murder mystery, is set against the backdrop of a 1973 class reunion at Magnolia High, a fictional school in the south.
‘It’s going to be a hoot,? said Optimist President Jean Dasuqi, explaining that the mystery was written and produced especially for the upcoming fundraiser.
‘The actors and characters participating in this are so much fun. They’re just a riot? it’s going to be a lot of fun.?
And, at a cost of $40 per person, the event is a little easier on the pocket than $75-$100 Optimist dinner dance tickets of recent years, Dasuqi noted.
‘We thought the dinner dance might be a little more than people’s finances could handle right now,? she said.
‘So we decided to go with a venue that would be more affordable, yet lots of fun.?
Participants will mingle with ‘fellow graduates,? talk to ‘suspects? and collect clues as they attempt to solve the ‘murder? that occurs right before the eyes of everyone in attendance.
The event features an authentic southern buffet menu prepared by Clarkston’s Heaven Scent Catering, and includes a coffee bar, homemade lemonade, and ‘unbelievable? desserts.
The evening also includes a cash bar, 50/50 raffle, and silent auction with items ranging from vacation packages and Detroit Piston tickets to scrapbooking supplies.
‘We’ve got a lot of things to support our local businesses,? Dasuqi said. ‘And this is our major fundraiser, so were really hoping the community will come out and support us as they always do.?
Organizers are also offering advertising space in the evening’s program’which doubles as a class reunion autograph book’to local businesses, community groups and others.
Advertisements will be intermingled with whodunit hints and character biographies.
Deadline for advertisement submission is Wednesday, March 26’inquiries may be directed to Sherri Regiani at sregiani@comcast.net.
The Clarkston Optimist Club is one of about 3,500 Optimist International chapters worldwide, with the motto ‘bringing out the est in kids.?
Each club is autonomous and therefore has the flexibility to orient service projects directly to the needs of the community.
The Clarkston Optimists sponsor Junior Optimist Clubs at all levels from elementary up to high school, and also fund programs such as high school and music scholarships, oratorical and essay contests, basketball competitions, youth golf outings, an annual youth appreciation breakfast and a Respect for Law program.
The Optimist Club meets 7:30 a.m. Wednesday mornings at Clarkston United Methodist Church.
For more information, call Clarkston area Optimist Club President Jean Dasuqi at 248-622-6096.

Murder Mystery
Dinner Theater:
‘The Class of
?73 Reunion?

Saturday, April 5
Knights of Columbus Hall 5660 Maybee Road
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Dinner served at 7 p.m.
$40 per person
Tickets are available at Brose Electric Shop,
5897 Dixie Highway
248-623-7900,
or from any Optimist Club member
Call Optimist Club President Jean Dasuqi
at 248-622-6096
for more information.