Student-written murder mystery served with dinner at Agoura High

MATTHEW CORONA GOLDSTEIN/Special to The Acorn KILLER LAUGHS—"The Butler Did It," a comedy-mystery written and directed by Agoura High School's Evan Lewis, will be presented at a dinner theater performance this weekend. Evan Lewis, a senior at Agoura High School, enjoyed the school's 2008 murder mystery play so much that he was inspired to write the script for this year's show.

"The Butler Did It," will premiere at the school's dinner theater this weekend, Jan. 9 and 10. Friday's performance is reserved for students and teachers.

Evan started to formulate the plot for "The Butler Did It" a year ago while watching "The Directors Cut," written by fellow student Colin Davis, who now attends UCLA.

In Evan's play, the murder takes place at a butler's convention in a hotel. Evan says the plot offers the audience some good laughs.

"It's a comedy also, so it should be fun," he said.

Susie Hodgson, the parent in charge of this year's winter murder mystery, said the play is based on a "funny idea."

"This studentwritten and studentdirected dinner theater is always a popular event at our school," Hodgson said.

Senior Lida Darmian is directing the play, with Sarah Friedman assisting. There are 31 people in the cast.

A catered dinner with dessert will be served during intermission.

Tickets for Friday night's performance for students and teachers cost $12. The price per ticket for the Saturday night performance is $23. Ticket sales support the Agoura High School Theater Boosters.

The dinner theater will be from 6 to 10 p.m. For tickets and dinner reservations, call Susie Hodgson at (818) 970-2855 or (818) 889-6543.