Pelham BEAT and South City Theatre bring “Murder is a Fine Art” dinner mystery to Civic Complex – Shelby County Reporter

By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – An evening of fine dining, laughter and intrigue awaits as Pelham BEAT and South City Theatre present “Murder is a Fine Art,” a murder mystery play by Jack Pachuta. The interactive dinner theatre experience will take place Friday, Sept. 19 and Saturday, Sept. 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena Banquet Hall.

Guests will enjoy an Italian buffet and cash bar while following the story of Libby LaBelle, a notorious art critic whose sharp words destroyed reputations as easily as they created them. When LaBelle collapses mid-review during an art gallery preview, the mystery begins: Who silenced her venomous pen once and for all?

South City Theatre Artistic Director Donna Williamson said this production gives audiences the chance to do more than simply watch the drama unfold.

“In a traditional play, there isn’t any audience participation,” Williamson said. “In this murder mystery, the audience is given the opportunity to question the characters, to try and determine the murderer. Oftentimes, the audience is very clever with their questioning. This shows that they have really been paying attention.”

This marks the third collaboration between Pelham BEAT and South City Theatre following “A Reunion to Die For” in September 2024 and “Hulas and Homicide” in May 2025. Williamson said the partnership benefits both organizations by introducing each group’s patrons to the other.

“Many of our regular patrons attend these shows and people who have never attended a South City performance come as well,” Williamson said. “Through this partnership, SCT patrons learn more about events sponsored by the BEAT and, in turn, the BEAT patrons learn about South City.”

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with appetizers and drinks available for purchase at the cash bar. The buffet dinner and show are included in the ticket price of $60.54, with seating available by reservation for groups of eight or open seating otherwise. Tickets must be purchased in advance through Eventbrite, accessible via the Pelham BEAT Facebook page.

“We’re excited to bring Murder is a Fine Art to Pelham,” Williamson said. “The shows give SCT actors an opportunity to interact with the audience, something that doesn’t happen in our regular shows.”