GreenMan Theatre puts on its first murder mystery 'Shooby Doo in That's the Way the Cookie Murders!'

All grown up and ready to solve their first-ever murder mystery - set in Elmhurst, no less! Familiar characters from a classic cartoon will take the stage in performances of GreenMan Theatre's "Shooby Doo in That's the Way the Cookie Murders!" on Feb. 24-25 and March 3-5.

The murder-mystery dinner theater will be directed by veteran GreenMan Theatre actor and director Justin Vidovic.

A big fan of the cartoon since age 6, Vidovic said, "I loved the way that show was able to make fearful things manageable through friendship, teamwork and humor. This new production sends a beautiful message about handling challenges together."

"Shooby Doo in That's the Way the Cookie Murders!" features a familiar gang of intrepid mystery buffs and a dog who come to Elmhurst when they hear that Angelo's restaurant is being haunted by a Cookie Elf who attacks anyone who orders dessert!

So, it's just a usual day for this team of whodunit solvers, complete with friends new and old, clues, high jinks, and plenty of wild chase scenes. That is, until someone is murdered by a ghost from Elmhurst's past.

They've always handled masked villains aplenty, but is the gang ready to take on its first murder investigation?

Vidovic, also the murder-mystery's playwright, is an English professor and play director at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights.

He previously directed GreenMan's productions of "Monstrous Regiment" and "Moon Over Buffalo." He appeared as Caliban in the recent production of "The Tempest."

The actors in "Shooby Doo in That's the Way the Cookie Murders!" are of different ages, which "allows us to connect multiple generations," Vidovic said. "Some of the actors are fans of the original cartoon series, too. They're great comic performers who bring energy and ideas to the play and are wonderful representations of their characters."

Many talented local actors are set to appear in GreenMan Theatre's upcoming production of "Shooby Doo in That's the Way the Cookie Murders!"

Elmhurst native and resident Doug Peterson has "nabbed" the role as Henry. A member of Greenman Theatre Troupe since its founding in 2003, this will be Peterson's first role in a GreenMan production.

"I'm semi-retired and was looking for something to do since I can't play golf in winter," he joked. "I decided to give performing a shot again."

Peterson, who also served as past president of Elmhurst Children's Theatre, helped get GreenMan started with production support for many shows, including "The Fantastiks" in GreenMan's inaugural season.

Peterson's character Henry and his wife are celebrating her recent master's degree in psychology at Angelo's when they are chased off by ghosts and goblins.

Peterson thinks attendees will love the play.

"It references a lot of Elmhurst places like Keebler Company, Wilder Mansion and Salt Creek," he said. Peterson also gave kudos to the play's director Justin Vidovic. "Justin hit it right on target with the performers he chose. He's a good director who knows how to get the best out of his actors."

The show runs five performances over two weekends at Angelo's Ristorante in Elmhurst at 247 N. York Road.

The production opens Friday, Feb. 24. Performances are 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 6 p.m. Sundays.

Tickets are $57 and include the show and an Italian dinner. Cash bar and a chance to mingle with the cast begins an hour before curtain. There is ample free parking available, but seating is limited. Tickets for the event must be purchased in advance. Go to www.greenmantheatre.org to buy tickets online or call (630) 464-2646 for more information. The dinner production is a popular event, and performances sell out quickly.

Appearing in "Shooby Doo in That's the Way the Cookie Murders!" will be several actors new to GreenMan's stage, including Cayley D'Anna (Beecher), Gwynneth Davidoff (Cambridge, Mass.), Kevin Hathaway (Park Forest), Kimberlyn Gayle (Wheaton), Doug Peterson (Elmhurst), Stephen Pickering (Fox River Grove), and Vinny Prisco (Hoffman Estates).

Returning to GreenMan will be Elliot Brtva (Schaumburg), Derek Dillon (Buffalo Grove), Elizabeth Ley (Des Plaines), Tom Ochocinski (Forest Park), and Debbie Proska (Lombard).

Working behind the scenes is stage manager Katie Lahey; Proska is working on props and costumes; and Steven Soria is working on sound and lights for the show.

Now in its 19th season, GreenMan Theatre Troupe is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization with a mission to provide a source of cultural enrichment and pride for the community by presenting diverse, quality productions and providing opportunities for personal growth in the theatrical arts.

GreenMan has been presenting plays in Elmhurst since being founded in 2003. Past productions include "The Odd Couple," "Dracula," and "Pride and Prejudice." GreenMan also offers classes and workshops for members and the community and welcomes new members and participants in all aspects of theater production. GreenMan programs are partially supported by Explore Elmhurst, as well as other individual and corporate donations.

If you go

What: GreenMan Theatre’s “Shooby Doo in That’s the Way the Cookie Murders!”

When: 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 6 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 24-25 and March 3-5.

Where: Angelo’s Ristorante, 247 N. York Road, Elmhurst.

Tickets: $57, which includes the show and an Italian dinner. Cash bar and a chance to mingle with the cast begins an hour before curtain.

Details:

www.greenmantheatre.org to buy tickets online or call (630) 464-2646