Seafood Veranda: Mystery theatre with a bite!

Synopsis:

Lobsters, shark, shrimp and murder! In the tradition of a dinner theatre murder-mystery, this children's play takes place at “Seafood Veranda,” a fictitious restaurant in [Your Town.] Waiters dress like sharks, crabs and ocean creatures. All orders come with a side of popcorn shrimp.

One evening, Dr. Grullon enters the establishment and requests a table in the V.I.P. lounge. As the main course arrives, a patron at the next table falls over – dead! A regular who-dun-it ensues. Was it the tough-talking, disgruntled waiter? The chef? The hostess, or Dr. Grullon? Detective Vivienne gets to the bottom of this undersea mystery.

“Seafood Veranda” is an original play written in 2017 by C.J. Lake when she was a second grade teacher in the Bronx. It has been used for reading enrichment, and as an after-school theatre club production. In 2018 it was recognized by the Bronx Arts Council.

A Reader's Theatre piece, elementary children of all abilities can read the script and perform their lines for a community audience at a school site. Most importantly, students of all abilities can access the joys of being in a show.

Category: One-Act Plays, School Plays

Running time: 20 minutes

Length: 9 pages (Purchase includes Drama Club Unit Lesson Plans for 8 Days and Stage Directions.)

Cast List: 9 speaking roles; flexible to 15 or more. All can be M/F

Audience participation

CAST

Restaurant Owner

Hostess

Chef

Assistant Chef Waiter #1 (“Party Shark”)

Waiter #2 (Pirate)

Customer #1 (V.I.P.)

Customer #2 (Audience Member)

Detective Vivienne

SETTING: A restaurant in [your town]