For better or for worse, I’m addicted to murder mysteries. No point in trying to deny it because an entire room, a very spacious room even, that was planned as my husband’s home office with space for my books, CD’s and DVD’s has now evolved into my library with space for my husband’s desk and file cabinets at the far end, by the full wall of windows. ( Well, at least I let him keep the windows, which are floor-to-ceiling, south-east facing and overlook our beautiful rolling lawn, bird feeders, trees and pretty sunrises. I feel that makes things even-steven but I don’t think he really agrees. ) Six tall bookcases, books I’ve already read but want to keep stacked at least two rows deep, books I’m planning to read sitting on my “read this next” table, about 30% of which are murder mysteries or courtroom dramas, not the gory ones, just the good, old-fashioned sleuthing- through- clues to find the bad guys kind. ( I think I could probably write a book, a thick, heavy tome, about the books that I love…. I do read a lot of non-fiction too but let’s face it — not as much fun ! Currently reading “The Immortal World of Henrietta Lacks”, fascinating but not nearly as satisfying as a John Grisham thriller. ) Two tall bookcases of DVD’s including, more or less, the complete sets (or working towards complete ) of most of BBC’s great mystery series. (Let me recommend www.bbcamericashop.com as an absolutely “must view” website. ) Inspector Morse, Foyle’s War, Sir Peter Wimsey, Rumpole, Prime Suspect, MidSomer Murders, Last Detective, Poirot ad infinitum, Sherlock Holmes, P.D. James, etc., etc. (all on the dramatic side) on stand-by on the shelf, ready to be watched or re-watched at a moment’s notice. Plus light and humorous favorites like Hamish McBeth (was TV John a delightful character or what ? ), Campion, the new(ish) Miss Marple series staring Geraldine McEwan ( BBC’s best Marple ever ), Rosemary and Thyme, Hetty Investigates and the wonderful series we are currently viewing, Pie In The Sky…. impatiently waiting for UPS to deliver Series 3 ( which was originally shown in the U.K. about a thousand years ago but just released in the U.S. on DVD September 7 th, why on earth BBC waits so long I can not imagine. ) Anyway, hopefully Monday. What the mystery lover’s life would be like without the British Broadcasting Corporation — well, I shudder to think ! ( We love British comedy too but no space for that commentary now — except to say that anyone who doesn’t practically fall right off the sofa laughing while watching Black Adder, Faulty Towers or Vicar of Dibley simply doesn’t have much of sense of humor. Watching an episode of Father Ted is like eating potato chips– you cannot stop at just one ! ) But enough already about BBC videos.
So naturally I’m really looking forward to seeing the latest production this week-end at the Palace Theatre, ” The Two Mrs. Carrolls” , a mystery, produced by Art’s Enter. A word, or three, about Art’s Enter, actually headquartered in Cape Charles’ historic Palace Theatre, and its successful efforts to bring the visual and performing arts in the southern tip of Virginia’s Eastern Shore under one roof. Lucky ! Fortunate ! Favored ! That is what Cape Charles is to have Art’s Enter as a vibrant part of the town and its culture ! And flipping to the other side of that coin, that’s what Art’s Enter ( http://www.artsentercapecharles.org ) is to have the love, support and participation of the people of Cape Charles. So, a synergistic relationship, benefiting all. This truly amazing arts group, headed up by Co-Directors Clelia Sheppard and Mary Ann Roehm, has brought such well known organizations as the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and the Virginia Opera Company, both headquartered in Norfolk, to the Palace Theatre for performances. ( It tickles me no end that the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, which has performed at many national venues including the world renowned Carnegie Hall, has actually also performed, several times even, here on the Eastern Shore at the Palace Theatre. Thanks Clelia and Mary Ann — you’re amazing ! ) And dozens and dozens of other high quality vocalists, dance companies and orchestras recently including the Cab Calloway Orchestra, David Leonhardt Jazz Group and Lee Jordan-Anders have lit up the Palace’s stage.
It is also a beehive of activity for the Eastern Shore of Virginia’s growing thespian community, providing a wonderful theatre season right here in our own community. The performances last season included an evening of one act plays, “The Wizard of Oz” and “A Christmas Carol”. In addition to “The Two Mrs. Carrolls”, the 2010-2011 theatre season at the Palace Theatre also features “The Importance of Being Earnest” and “Oliver”. But for all of us at Blue Heron Realty Co. , the icing on the cake for the performance of “Two Mrs. Carrolls” is that two of the actors on-stage are Blue Heron agents ! Maestro, drum roll, please ! Eva Noonan, an agent in our Cape Charles office, an effervescent gal who has performed in a number of Art’s Enter’s previous plays, takes the lead role in “Carrolls”. And David Kabler, our Cape Charles managing broker, will be making his stage debut. And so this week-end I will not only be feeding my mystery addiction at the Palace Theatre, I will be on hand to enthusiastically applaud two of our own. Break a leg, break two legs even, Eva and Dave !!!!!