Go See This: “Goodnight, Death: A Banned Book Murder Mystery”

Do you consider yourself an astute observer? Do you listen carefully?  How well do you know the people who live next door? And how do you know that the person who just passed your table at the restaurant isn’t a murderer?

At the premiere of a one night only dinner theater performance of “Goodnight, Death: A Banned Book Murder Mystery”, members of the audience will find themselves among attendees at a PTA meeting of Pine View Elementary where a determined busybody set on banning a classic picture book from the school library is prepared to get personal. She’s got enough dirt on the rest of the PTA members to achieve her mission. But someone finds a way to get the book ban off the agenda—permanently! Ticket holders will enjoy a three course meal and the opportunity to ask questions of the actors in the play to help figure out who among the cast is the murderer. It’s a game of “Clue” come to life…and death.

The mastermind behind this fun and intrigue is Jessica Nunn, founder and artistic director of The Phoenix Theatre Company. Nunn is Chatham County-born and -raised and a self-proclaimed theater geek. At age 13 she got a part acting in the Sword of Peace and then “just didn’t leave” the theater. Nunn became interested in costumes, props and lighting—basically doing anything to stay near the stage and in the theatre world. After graduating from college, she taught English and drama at her high school alma mater, Jordan Matthews, until 2003. Then Nunn got a chance to move to England to teach for a year or so. She stayed in the UK for 11 years and started a theatre company there.

When Nunn returned to North Carolina in 2014, tightly-knit theater circles in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Burlington, and Durham provided enough top notch talent for her to launch The Phoenix Theatre Company and keep regional actors busy.

With a true “show must go on” attitude, Nunn doesn’t consider the lack of a consistent performance space as a detriment. In fact, it meets her mission in bringing the “theatre experience to people where they are”. This is the fourth murder mystery the company has presented at the Pittsboro Roadhouse in a year. They’ve also presented a cabaret, “Adam and Eve” a play penned by Mark Twain, and a production of “A Christmas Carol”. Nunn has only excellent reviews for her hosts at the Roadhouse, “Greg and Maria Lewis at the Pittsboro Roadhouse have been absolutely fantastic, amazingly supportive.”

Many Chathamites will recognize the playwright of “Goodnight, Death: A Banned Book Murder Mystery”. Rose Pate, is a writer and the librarian at Jordan Matthews High School and knew Jessica Nunn from her years as a student there. Sounds to us like real life might share some aspects of the story in the play…will that help audience members figure out whodunnit? Go See This and find out.

• Event Name: “Goodnight, Death: A Banned Book Murder Mystery”
• Event Host: The Phoenix Theatre Company
• Day & Time: Thursday, February 25, 7-9:30pm
• Location: Pittsboro Roadhouse, 39 West Street, Pittsboro, NC 27312
• Cost of Admission: Tickets are $50 and include the play and a 3 course meal. Group discounts are available as well! Purchase tickets here or at the door.
• Parking: Curbside and parking lot across the street
• Accessibility: Yes
• For more info:  The Phoenix Theatre Company

For middle school and high school students interested in learning about acting, Jessica Nunn is also leading classes at the Earl B. Fitz Community Center in Siler City. Learn about the classes at this link.