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Pushcart Players present dinner theater murder mystery

BY ERIN BECKER, The Island Packet

Published Friday, August 3rd, 2001

You're cordially invited to a reception in honor of Alphonso Prizzani and Rosalie Donatelli's engagement. But, to be sure, this is not your ordinary engagement party. This party is "Rosalie's Reception -- Engagement With Death," an interactive, whodunit, presented by the Pushcart Players and the Port Royal Clubhouse. Aside from the usual buffet, music and dancing, expect a few suspicious thugs with ties to the Mafia and a mother of the groom who tries her best to break up the happy couple. "You see, Rosalie, she and my son got engaged," said Mamma Prizzani (Genevieve Ramsey). "Her first two husbands died under mysterious circumstances." Snapping out of character and losing the Italian accent, Ramsey said audience members will meet the family, witness a murder and have to figure out who did it and why. "It's more of a comedy-mystery," said Ramsey, who wrote and directed the show. "This one I based on my family. I come from a large Italian family on both sides." Ramsey has performed nine seasons with her troupe of actors, the Pushcart Players, at the Port Royal Clubhouse. The theme for the series is "Murder, Mystery and Mayhem." Each year, Ramsey works to create a new show. The current production features four main characters, who are played by two different casts. MaryLynn Finn shares the role of Mamma Prizzani with Ramsey. After her husband died, she was left in charge of the "family business" and is drunk with power. "Mamma is the matriarch of the family," Finn said. "She gets all the respect. But really, all she cares about is keeping the family money." Alphonso (Jeffrey Prekop and Steve Grabo) is Mamma's only child. Although he has a hand in the family business, he only files and answers telephones. Alphonso's eager to prove that he can run the business. "He's a mamma's boy," Prekop said. "However, he's trying to break the chains." Rosalie Donatelli (Jennifer Prynada and Jennifer Feliciano) is about to be married for the fourth time. While her first two husbands died mysteriously, her third husband managed to survive. Rosalie has shopped her way through two life insurance policies and is desperate for more money. "She's definitely a high-energy lady," Prynada said. "Her whole mindset is to have fun." Dominick Donatelli (Steve Grabo and Mike Cornell) is Rosalie's third husband. He divorced her when he found out she was secretly poisoning him but was unable to prove it. Dominick has become good "friends" with Mamma. "Dominick is a guy with issues," Cornell said. "He's a guy who was almost killed, and he's coming to warn Alphonso. He doesn't like him, but he doesn't want him to marry Rosalie." In addition to the main characters, 18 audience members are "tagged." They receive a name tag, with quirky names such as "John Ravolta" or "Ladonna" and are given prompts by the actors to follow along. "There's a lot of singing and a lot of dancing," Ramsey said. "And a lot of humor. We work off a script, but we have a lot of improvisation in between." The cast sets the stage by welcoming and mingling with the guests, introducing themselves and bad-mouthing each other. "When we do a lot of the interacting, it really draws the audience into the play," Cornell said. Once everyone is seated, they take turns making speeches to the happy couple. Then the actors leave, and the guests are called by table number to hit the buffet line. As the guests begin to work their way through dinner, Mamma, Alphonso and Rosalie introduce their very special family and friends and ask them to say a few words. Mamma also pushes Alphonso on every single woman at the party, hoping to breakup his engagement to Rosalie. "Ninety-eight percent of the audience characters are into it," Prekop said. "Sometimes they'll give you information that (fits) with the show," Cornell said. Toward the end of the evening, sometime between dessert and coffee, a gunshot cuts through the conversation and one of the characters stumbles out of the kitchen and collapses on the floor. "After the murder, we do a lot of finger-pointing," Ramsey said. Then audience members are asked to fill out whodunit cards and name the murderer and give the reason for the crime. After the cards are collected, the cast performs a final scene that reveals who the murderer is. For more information, call 681-1700.

Genevieve Ramsey interacts with the audience as the Pushcart Players present 'Rosalie's Reception -- Engagement with Death' at the Port Royal Clubhouse. The show runs through Aug. 31. + Enlarge Image If you go: Port Royal Clubhouse Dinner Theater Murder at the Mansion. What: The Pushcart Players perform "Rosalie's Reception -- Engagement with Death." The show is an interactive dinner theater performance for the entire family. When: Shows begin at 7 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday through August. Cost: $29 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under (prices don't include tax or gratuity). For more information, call 681-1700


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Troupe shows love of acting BY ERIN BECKER, The Island Packet Published Friday, August 3rd, 2001 The Pushcart Players are in their ninth season, bringing murder, mystery and mayhem to the Port Royal Clubhouse. The troupe of actors is performing "Rosalie's Reception -- Engagement With Death" three nights a week through August. Genevieve Ramsey, who writes, directs and acts in the murder mystery series, said this is something she's always wanted to do. "I love being somebody else," Ramsey said. Ramsey, who worked as a schoolteacher in New Jersey for 20 years, moved to Hilton Head Island with her family in 1989. After teaching at Michael C. Riley Elementary School and performing with another dinner theater company, Ramsey decided to form her own. "It was a big step to stop teaching and do this," Ramsey said. "If someone had told me 20 years ago that I would be doing this, I'd say they were out of their mind." Ramsey also collaborates with her husband, Tom, and her daughters, Erin and Megan, on her murder mysteries. In addition to the series at the Port Royal Clubhouse, the Pushcart Players perform for private parties and other events. But unlike Ramsey, most of the other performers haven't given up their day jobs. Mike Cornell, who plays Dominick Donatelli, is a production director for Adventure Radio Group. MaryLynn Finn, who plays Mamma Prizzani, works in television and marketing for the Sea Pines Co. Jennifer Prynada who plays Rosalie Donatelli, works for Sea Pines Real Estate Co. by day. That's why she said she enjoys acting. "The fact that I can let an alter ego come out is fun," Prynada said. Jeffrey Prekop, who plays Alphonso Prizzani, works as an equipment manager at Crescent Pointe Golf Club. This production marks Prekop's second season with Pushcart Players. "I get to flirt with all the hot girls here," Prekop quipped. While the other cast members are part-time actors, Steve Grabo, who plays Alphonso and Dominick, makes a living performing. He has film, stage, television and voice-work credits. Jennifer Feliciano works as an emergency medical technician and a medical assistant for an orthopaedic practice in Beaufort. She also works as a stand-up comedian. Sound technician Steven Murray picks up gigs around the island as a sound man and sells kazoos for kazoos.com. "I love working with the actors," Ramsey said. "They have such great vitality. It's amazing how it all comes together."
Troupe shows love of acting BY ERIN BECKER, The Island Packet Published Friday, August 3rd, 2001 The Pushcart Players are in their ninth season, bringing murder, mystery and mayhem to the Port Royal Clubhouse. The troupe of actors is performing "Rosalie's Reception -- Engagement With Death" three nights a week through August. Genevieve Ramsey, who writes, directs and acts in the murder mystery series, said this is something she's always wanted to do. "I love being somebody else," Ramsey said. Ramsey, who worked as a schoolteacher in New Jersey for 20 years, moved to Hilton Head Island with her family in 1989. After teaching at Michael C. Riley Elementary School and performing with another dinner theater company, Ramsey decided to form her own. "It was a big step to stop teaching and do this," Ramsey said. "If someone had told me 20 years ago that I would be doing this, I'd say they were out of their mind." Ramsey also collaborates with her husband, Tom, and her daughters, Erin and Megan, on her murder mysteries. In addition to the series at the Port Royal Clubhouse, the Pushcart Players perform for private parties and other events. But unlike Ramsey, most of the other performers haven't given up their day jobs. Mike Cornell, who plays Dominick Donatelli, is a production director for Adventure Radio Group. MaryLynn Finn, who plays Mamma Prizzani, works in television and marketing for the Sea Pines Co. Jennifer Prynada who plays Rosalie Donatelli, works for Sea Pines Real Estate Co. by day. That's why she said she enjoys acting. "The fact that I can let an alter ego come out is fun," Prynada said. Jeffrey Prekop, who plays Alphonso Prizzani, works as an equipment manager at Crescent Pointe Golf Club. This production marks Prekop's second season with Pushcart Players. "I get to flirt with all the hot girls here," Prekop quipped. While the other cast members are part-time actors, Steve Grabo, who plays Alphonso and Dominick, makes a living performing. He has film, stage, television and voice-work credits. Jennifer Feliciano works as an emergency medical technician and a medical assistant for an orthopaedic practice in Beaufort. She also works as a stand-up comedian. Sound technician Steven Murray picks up gigs around the island as a sound man and sells kazoos for kazoos.com. "I love working with the actors," Ramsey said. "They have such great vitality. It's amazing how it all comes together."
Troupe shows love of acting BY ERIN BECKER, The Island Packet Published Friday, August 3rd, 2001 The Pushcart Players are in their ninth season, bringing murder, mystery and mayhem to the Port Royal Clubhouse. The troupe of actors is performing "Rosalie's Reception -- Engagement With Death" three nights a week through August. Genevieve Ramsey, who writes, directs and acts in the murder mystery series, said this is something she's always wanted to do. "I love being somebody else," Ramsey said. Ramsey, who worked as a schoolteacher in New Jersey for 20 years, moved to Hilton Head Island with her family in 1989. After teaching at Michael C. Riley Elementary School and performing with another dinner theater company, Ramsey decided to form her own. "It was a big step to stop teaching and do this," Ramsey said. "If someone had told me 20 years ago that I would be doing this, I'd say they were out of their mind." Ramsey also collaborates with her husband, Tom, and her daughters, Erin and Megan, on her murder mysteries. In addition to the series at the Port Royal Clubhouse, the Pushcart Players perform for private parties and other events. But unlike Ramsey, most of the other performers haven't given up their day jobs. Mike Cornell, who plays Dominick Donatelli, is a production director for Adventure Radio Group. MaryLynn Finn, who plays Mamma Prizzani, works in television and marketing for the Sea Pines Co. Jennifer Prynada who plays Rosalie Donatelli, works for Sea Pines Real Estate Co. by day. That's why she said she enjoys acting. "The fact that I can let an alter ego come out is fun," Prynada said. Jeffrey Prekop, who plays Alphonso Prizzani, works as an equipment manager at Crescent Pointe Golf Club. This production marks Prekop's second season with Pushcart Players. "I get to flirt with all the hot girls here," Prekop quipped. While the other cast members are part-time actors, Steve Grabo, who plays Alphonso and Dominick, makes a living performing. He has film, stage, television and voice-work credits. Jennifer Feliciano works as an emergency medical technician and a medical assistant for an orthopaedic practice in Beaufort. She also works as a stand-up comedian. Sound technician Steven Murray picks up gigs around the island as a sound man and sells kazoos for kazoos.com. "I love working with the actors," Ramsey said. "They have such great vitality. It's amazing how it all comes together."
Troupe shows love of acting BY ERIN BECKER, The Island Packet Published Friday, August 3rd, 2001 The Pushcart Players are in their ninth season, bringing murder, mystery and mayhem to the Port Royal Clubhouse. The troupe of actors is performing "Rosalie's Reception -- Engagement With Death" three nights a week through August. Genevieve Ramsey, who writes, directs and acts in the murder mystery series, said this is something she's always wanted to do. "I love being somebody else," Ramsey said. Ramsey, who worked as a schoolteacher in New Jersey for 20 years, moved to Hilton Head Island with her family in 1989. After teaching at Michael C. Riley Elementary School and performing with another dinner theater company, Ramsey decided to form her own. "It was a big step to stop teaching and do this," Ramsey said. "If someone had told me 20 years ago that I would be doing this, I'd say they were out of their mind." Ramsey also collaborates with her husband, Tom, and her daughters, Erin and Megan, on her murder mysteries. In addition to the series at the Port Royal Clubhouse, the Pushcart Players perform for private parties and other events. But unlike Ramsey, most of the other performers haven't given up their day jobs. Mike Cornell, who plays Dominick Donatelli, is a production director for Adventure Radio Group. MaryLynn Finn, who plays Mamma Prizzani, works in television and marketing for the Sea Pines Co. Jennifer Prynada who plays Rosalie Donatelli, works for Sea Pines Real Estate Co. by day. That's why she said she enjoys acting. "The fact that I can let an alter ego come out is fun," Prynada said. Jeffrey Prekop, who plays Alphonso Prizzani, works as an equipment manager at Crescent Pointe Golf Club. This production marks Prekop's second season with Pushcart Players. "I get to flirt with all the hot girls here," Prekop quipped. While the other cast members are part-time actors, Steve Grabo, who plays Alphonso and Dominick, makes a living performing. He has film, stage, television and voice-work credits. Jennifer Feliciano works as an emergency medical technician and a medical assistant for an orthopaedic practice in Beaufort. She also works as a stand-up comedian. Sound technician Steven Murray picks up gigs around the island as a sound man and sells kazoos for kazoos.com. "I love working with the actors," Ramsey said. "They have such great vitality. It's amazing how it all comes together."
Troupe shows love of acting BY ERIN BECKER, The Island Packet Published Friday, August 3rd, 2001 The Pushcart Players are in their ninth season, bringing murder, mystery and mayhem to the Port Royal Clubhouse. The troupe of actors is performing "Rosalie's Reception -- Engagement With Death" three nights a week through August. Genevieve Ramsey, who writes, directs and acts in the murder mystery series, said this is something she's always wanted to do. "I love being somebody else," Ramsey said. Ramsey, who worked as a schoolteacher in New Jersey for 20 years, moved to Hilton Head Island with her family in 1989. After teaching at Michael C. Riley Elementary School and performing with another dinner theater company, Ramsey decided to form her own. "It was a big step to stop teaching and do this," Ramsey said. "If someone had told me 20 years ago that I would be doing this, I'd say they were out of their mind." Ramsey also collaborates with her husband, Tom, and her daughters, Erin and Megan, on her murder mysteries. In addition to the series at the Port Royal Clubhouse, the Pushcart Players perform for private parties and other events. But unlike Ramsey, most of the other performers haven't given up their day jobs. Mike Cornell, who plays Dominick Donatelli, is a production director for Adventure Radio Group. MaryLynn Finn, who plays Mamma Prizzani, works in television and marketing for the Sea Pines Co. Jennifer Prynada who plays Rosalie Donatelli, works for Sea Pines Real Estate Co. by day. That's why she said she enjoys acting. "The fact that I can let an alter ego come out is fun," Prynada said. Jeffrey Prekop, who plays Alphonso Prizzani, works as an equipment manager at Crescent Pointe Golf Club. This production marks Prekop's second season with Pushcart Players. "I get to flirt with all the hot girls here," Prekop quipped. While the other cast members are part-time actors, Steve Grabo, who plays Alphonso and Dominick, makes a living performing. He has film, stage, television and voice-work credits. Jennifer Feliciano works as an emergency medical technician and a medical assistant for an orthopaedic practice in Beaufort. She also works as a stand-up comedian. Sound technician Steven Murray picks up gigs around the island as a sound man and sells kazoos for kazoos.com. "I love working with the actors," Ramsey said. "They have such great vitality. It's amazing how it all comes together."
Troupe shows love of acting BY ERIN BECKER, The Island Packet Published Friday, August 3rd, 2001 The Pushcart Players are in their ninth season, bringing murder, mystery and mayhem to the Port Royal Clubhouse. The troupe of actors is performing "Rosalie's Reception -- Engagement With Death" three nights a week through August. Genevieve Ramsey, who writes, directs and acts in the murder mystery series, said this is something she's always wanted to do. "I love being somebody else," Ramsey said. Ramsey, who worked as a schoolteacher in New Jersey for 20 years, moved to Hilton Head Island with her family in 1989. After teaching at Michael C. Riley Elementary School and performing with another dinner theater company, Ramsey decided to form her own. "It was a big step to stop teaching and do this," Ramsey said. "If someone had told me 20 years ago that I would be doing this, I'd say they were out of their mind." Ramsey also collaborates with her husband, Tom, and her daughters, Erin and Megan, on her murder mysteries. In addition to the series at the Port Royal Clubhouse, the Pushcart Players perform for private parties and other events. But unlike Ramsey, most of the other performers haven't given up their day jobs. Mike Cornell, who plays Dominick Donatelli, is a production director for Adventure Radio Group. MaryLynn Finn, who plays Mamma Prizzani, works in television and marketing for the Sea Pines Co. Jennifer Prynada who plays Rosalie Donatelli, works for Sea Pines Real Estate Co. by day. That's why she said she enjoys acting. "The fact that I can let an alter ego come out is fun," Prynada said. Jeffrey Prekop, who plays Alphonso Prizzani, works as an equipment manager at Crescent Pointe Golf Club. This production marks Prekop's second season with Pushcart Players. "I get to flirt with all the hot girls here," Prekop quipped. While the other cast members are part-time actors, Steve Grabo, who plays Alphonso and Dominick, makes a living performing. He has film, stage, television and voice-work credits. Jennifer Feliciano works as an emergency medical technician and a medical assistant for an orthopaedic practice in Beaufort. She also works as a stand-up comedian. Sound technician Steven Murray picks up gigs around the island as a sound man and sells kazoos for kazoos.com. "I love working with the actors," Ramsey said. "They have such great vitality. It's amazing how it all comes together."