Front row, (L to R) Anne Jarman McPhillips, Victoria Lopez, Annia Brito Rey, (Standing, Back Row) director Maren Sugarman, Doug Andrews, Neal Hallinan, Collin Wehr, and Melinda DelPizzo.

(CLIFTON, NJ) -- The Theater League of Clifton will present its second dinner/theater production of the season, "Murder on the Menu," beginning on Saturday, July 20, 7:30pm, at Mario's Restaurant (710 Van Houten Ave) in Clifton. In addition to opening night, performance dates for the comedy are set for July 21, 27, 28, and August 4, 2024. Saturday performances start at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees begin at 4:00pm.

The show is a madcap “Whodunit” that involves the murder of publishing magnate Artemus Ward and the efforts of county coroner, Dr. Bullfinger, and an ace reporter, to solve the crime, scrutinizing a group of shady suspects.

Cast members include Doug Andrews, Annia Brito Rey, Melinda DelPizzo, Neal Hallinan, Victoria Lopez, Anne Jarman McPhillips, and Collin Wehr. Maren Sugarman will direct the show. She directed recent Theater League productions of “Man of La Mancha” and “Oliver.” Shiloh Pino is the stage manager. John Traier and Prashant Arora serve as the co-producers of the show. Bill Hand is the playwright. Mark Peterson is the president of the Theater League. The play is produced with permission via Pioneer Drama Service Inc.

Tickets are priced at $65 per person and include a buffet dinner, bread, coffee, tea, soda and dessert. The restaurant can accommodate dietary restrictions by request in advance of reservation dates. A cash bar will be available for patrons.

Tickets are available for purchase online; by calling (973-928-7668); or via regular mail—payment by check only. The Theater League’s mailing address is: PO Box 4072, Clifton, NJ 07012.

As an added comic twist to the production, each performance will feature prominent “guest” murder victims, a list of Clifton luminaries that includes Councilman Antonio LaTona (July 20); Tom Hawrylko, editor and publisher of the Clifton Merchant Magazine (July 21); show producer John Traier (July 27); Mayor Ray Grabowski (July 28); and Councilman Chris D’Amato (Aug. 4).

Founded in 2005, the Theater League of Clifton is a non-profit community organization dedicated to fostering an appreciation of the arts through theatrical performances, while providing quality entertainment for all ages. The Theater League of Clifton welcomes volunteers in all aspects of performance and production.