Only The Dead Die Twice (September - October 2002)

Based on a 1940's Inner Sanctum radio play. A Casablanca-esque who-dunnit. So sit right down and make yourself uncomfortable. The story takes place at Mr. Big's (Mike Jolley) Bar and Grill. Sam Brice (Fergus Theibert) a down on his luck private investigator is a regular at the joint where he conducts his daily business such as receiving his phone messages, like all big city detectives do. Sam desperately needs a client in order to start his own detective agency. Johnnie, (Michael Trakas) the bartender at Mr. Big's Bar and Grill, is Sam's side kick, helping boost moral since times are slow in the detective business. Then, in walks Veronica Emerson (Theresa Flais). Veronica is a mysterious seductress in need of someone with a low profile to help find her missing husband. Who better than Sam Brice? Veronica's husband, Ralph, is missing and presumed dead. Ralph Emerson, a womanizing playboy is loathed yet envied by all. Many people would want him dead. But who? And where is Vera (Stephanie Demidovich) the annoying, scatter-brained waitress? Is she late because of the affair she is having? Or has someone discovered her secret? Join us for many twists and turns in this fabulous thriller! Rated PG.

Slay Bells (November - December 2002)

Each year at The North Pole, the elves hold a fundraiser to raise money for Santa's trip around the world. Feeding the reindeer takes a lot of money! This year, the elves have decided to hold a bell ringing competition amongst the elf community. Not only are the elves raising money for Santa's trip but this year one of the elves will win $5,000.00 and the coveted title of "Head Honcho at the Toyshop". Herbie, Santa's favorite elf, won "Top Elf" last year and plans to do so again this Christmas. But Herbie will have lots of competition! Elf Margaret (Stephanie Demidovich) wants to win to get the attention of Elf Herbie. Margaret has been lusting after Herbie for years. Elf Kayann (Theresa Flais) wants to win the money so she can start her own clinic for women with "lisp problems". Elf Eugene (Amanda Greg) wants to beat Herbie simply out of revenge. Ronald (Michael Trakas) wants to win so he can score with the ladies.

But, a crazed, serial killer dubbed "The Elfin Smasher" is on the loose at The North Pole and is putting a damper on everyone's Christmas spirit. Santa's staff has become extremely tense and can barely do their work at the toyshop let alone perform at the annual Christmas Fundraising event. Even though the elves are scared, their drive to beat Elf Herbie is frightening. Herbie is loathed by most of his colleagues and now the elves secretly hope something would happen to Herbie to eliminate him and his smug attitude. Come sing along with the elves as they try to figure out what to do with Herbie and who "The Elfin Smasher" really is! You will be very surprised at the ending! Lots of audience participation!

Finishing Off Fiona (Janurary - Feburary 2003)

A happy and very wealthy housewife named Fiona Heinzkins is hopelessly addicted to reading murder mystery novels at home and at her Oprah Book Club meetings. One day, as she is reading her novel, The End of Ellie, she overhears her husband, Edward, discussing seedy plans with his colleague, Reese Simms. To Fiona's ears it sounds as if her loving husband and Reese have plans to murder her for insurance money. Much to her surprise, her loyal butler, Netti, is in on it too. Fiona finally discovers that her lawyer, Bobbie, has ideas on murdering her also. When Fiona's body is discovered everyone begins to point fingers. When Fiona's body disappears accusations begin to fly! Just when we think this has all been cleared up another discovery is made. If only the rest of the group would have read the ending to the book sooner!

Who Sliced The Cheeseman? (March - April 2003)

Billed as one of The Theatre Lab's top five, all time, funniest shows! "Like a piece of Limburger cheese, something doesn't smell right on the Mickey Cheeseman Show." Come see why America's favorite funny man on Must See Tuesday Night TV is a real jerk behind the scenes. Many of Mickey's collegues are fed up with him. Join us for all the hilarious reasons why someone "should" kill him.

Sorority Girl Sleepover (May - June 2003)

If you liked, "Legally Blonde" and "Sorority Boys" you'll like this one. The sorority sisters of CUTE are holding a "get-to-know-me" sleepover for the other sisters and new pledges. First, we meet Carter. The beautiful president of the house, who is supposed to be everyone's sister but she's really just out to promote herself. Then there's pledge-master, Muffy, who is attending the sleepover because of the true meaning of sisterhood and the free Chanel nail polish gift bag. Next, we have the rush chair, Jordan, who is still upset because her "big" last year bitch slapped her in front of CUTE's founder! Finally, there's the new pledges, Dee-Dee and Elle, who really don't know anything about sororities but they know they like fraternities! Throughout the evening, things get a little ugly due to the announcement that everyone has been with the same guy! Instead of it being a "get-to-know me" night it turns into a sorority girl slaughter! Rated PG-13 for language.

Jamaica Mistaka (July - August 2003)

You'll want to dress in your favorite beach attire for this one! Beach Balls are welcome! The story takes place at a two star beach resort in Jamaica. The audience members are the vacationers who witness chaos and mayhem first hand, while sipping on their specialty drinks! Join us, along with our lovable cast of characters, as they fumble their way through life, music, sex, and alcohol!

Homicidal Hillbillies (June - July 2004)

The Theatre Lab's original audience-participation, comedy-mystery, Homicidal Hillbillies, written by Theresa Flais and originally performed in June of 1997. Homicidal Hillbillies will begin on May 25 and run thru August 31, 2004 at The Buckeye Hall of Fame Cafe at 1421 Olentangy River Road. The seating begins at 7:15pm. The show starts at 7:30pm. Price is $25.00 for full dinner and show. Call for reservations at 614-291-2233. The show takes place on the cable access set of The Happy Hillbilly Game Show in Black Snake, Kentucky. The game show is known as a cross between Who Wants to Be a Millionaire meets The Weakest Link meets NASCAR. And, when six feuding hillfolk get tossed into the mix it makes it for a more interesting show. First we have Magnolia Shelby, the host of The Happy Hillbilly Game Show. Magnolia's hoping that the publicity from the show will get her noticed for a more "classy" gig, like the new Hee-Haw. Then we meet The Hoopies.

There's the obnoxious pa, Billy Bob who wants to win because he needs a new tractor. Then there's the sweet ma, Crystal Jean who is dying to start her Lawn and Duck Ornament business. Rounding out the Hoopie family is son, Gus whose big dream is to be a Chippendale Dancer. Next we meet The Boogman's. The matriarch is Perditty Janeen Boogman who's really there just for the consolation prizes. Her second cousin, Leroy and her daughter, Davenna, have a secret their about to divulge, and the prize money sure would come in handy. As the show progresses, neither family appears to be getting any closer to the grand prize. The Boogmans and the Hoopies take matters into their own hands to determine a winner. In the process, one of the kin folk get bumped off. Join The Theatre Lab for a hog-slapping good time! Bring along your cowboy hats! The audience will receive new names/nametags before the show so they can participate as our kinfolk. **Please note that the show contains adult humor/language. PG-13

Sweet Revenge (August - October 2004)

The Theatre Lab's original comedy-mystery, Sweet Revenge, was first performed in Columbus in 1997 and is being revived! Written by Theatre Lab Artistic Director, Theresa Flais, Sweet Revenge will begin on Tuesday, August 17th and go through October 26th 2004 at 1421 Olentangy River Road at 7:30pm. Price is $25.00 for full dinner and show. Call the Buckeye Hall of Fame Café at (614) 291-2233 (ask for manager) or The Theatre Lab at (614) 783-2208 for reservations.

It all starts with the Bake-Off of the year and only four contestants left. These four finalists have more than just confections in their cupboards; each seem to have a burning desire to give the Judge more than he's bargaining for. We discover each contestant has a "battered" opinion of the Judge… to put it sweetly. It begins with Laverne Peabody (Theresa Flais), the pushy, "holy-roller" from Minnesota. Laverne is asked to be in charge of the competition and to hire someone to judge it. She asks the grumpy, old, town judge, Judge Theodore J. Hargrove (Michael Jolley) to do her a favor and judge the contest for charity. Judge Hargrove is less than thrilled to judge the competition because he hates sweets and people! Laverne keeps the contest in order all the while tempting to "wisk" the Judge away with her "Better than Sex" Cake. The next contestant, Scooter Johns (Theresa Flais), the flirtatious gal from the South, attempts to get a "rise" out of the Judge with more than just her creamy, Fudge Brownie. Scooter is very upset with the Judge for trying to close down her nail salon and she will do whatever it takes to convince him not to. The next contestant, Edna Ballone (Karen Mason) and the Judge used to be an item at one time. But something the Judge did to Edna didn't "mix" very well with this shy, town Librarian. Once Edna saw the Judge's true colors, she dropped him like a hot pan. Edna wants to make sure the Judge does not forget that he "iced" one of her cats years ago. Finally, Elizabeth Mason the in town wants to knock the Judge's socks off with her tantalizing Tiramisu. Elizabeth would really like to know the Judge out of his misery for revoking her driver's license due to her fourth speeding ticket in two months. But Elizabeth has plans to "beat" the Judge at his game! Come and see why this contest turns into more than just a simple taste test of sweet delicacies! Join us for fun, food and desserts! **Please note that the show contains adult humor/language. PG-13