For many people, the words ‘murder’ and ‘library’ don’t appear to have much to do with one another. But on three nights this July, the two concepts will become delightfully tangled together as audiences experience Final Checkout: A Murder in the Library. The murder mystery play, written by Kathy Perrin and directed by Simon Hayward, is a fun, suspenseful jaunt whose cast features community theater partners and library professionals. A suggested donation made in advance (link) or at the door, supports the Library literacy programming which the Friends’ organization is deeply committed to supporting.
Previously performed at the Battleground, Washington Public Library where Perrin previously lived and worked as president of the local Friends chapter, “Final Checkout” is a thrilling whodunit set within the stacks.
“I decided to try writing mystery plays as fundraisers for Friends of the Library and my church when I lived in the Northwest,” Perrin said. “It’s always fun, and each time it’s a different experience. I’m loving getting backstage, hands-on, with the play.”
This year’s murder mystery play fundraiser is the first of its kind for the Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Library. “Final Checkout”’s director, Simon Hayward, has directed numerous plays in community theater around Santa Cruz. As a professional, he has brought the play’s cast–a mix of dedicated Friends, actors, and enthusiastic community partners—together for 11 rehearsals in order to put on a show that the audience will not soon forget.
Having brought this unique style of fundraiser to other Friends organizations in the past, upon moving to Santa Cruz Perrin saw the opportunity to start a new tradition. This year’s murder mystery fundraiser is the first inaugural
“When I moved to Santa Cruz a few years ago, I had such great memories of the fun our Friends group had had that when I heard Garfield Park Library had a newly-formed group, I had to re-up.” Perrin said.
The show’s cast is a mosaic of faces both new and familiar to the Santa Cruz theater scene. Elbina Batala Rafizadeh, Garfield Park Library Friends president, is featured in her first on stage role as a librarian. For some cast members, this will be their first return to the stage since high school! For all, the shows will serve as a welcome opportunity for laughter and dramatics, all in support of an important cause.
Final Checkout cast: (L-R) Timothy Wilkins, Stephany Buswell, Kathy Perrin (playwright), Susan E. Parker, Ryin Kent, Geneffa Jahan, Christina Lynn Wise, Brad Roaders, Simon Hayward (Director), Andrew Waddell. (Not shown: Steve Noble, Ben Canant, Elbina Rafizadeh.)
“My favorite aspect of our play is the congenial cast,” Perrin said. “It’s fun to watch each one turn from their “real life” self into the larger-than-life character they’re portraying. They laugh together over mishaps & work together to dramatize their lines, getting ready to perfect their roles & entertain our audience.”
Everyone involved in the creation of “Final Checkout” will soon see their efforts rewarded as it hits the stage. Performances will be held at 7 p.m. on July 18, at the Downtown Library Community Room, July 19th at Satori Arts, and at 2 p.m. on July 20th at Cabrillo College, room 322.
Bios and Photos
Actors by Role in Order of Appearance
