PITTSTON — A Murder Mystery dinner theater held Nov. 4 to benefit the Pittston Memorial Library was, well, to die for.

The second annual event, this year with an Old Hollywood theme, brought over 160 supporters of the library to Coopers on the Waterfront for a three-course meal, a chance to spend time with friends and . . a murder.

Actors from the Philadelphia Murder Mystery Company made their way through the crowd dropping hints as to who the guilty party might be.

The plot, interwoven with much humor, included characters such as Mr. Sleazy and Warren Peace.

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Volunteer June Myrkalo said her enjoyment of the event was fueled by her love for murder mystery.

“Both my daughter and I loved the movie ‘Clue,’” she said.

Rosemarie Butera, also a volunteer, thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity of a night out.

At 82, Butera, who still works as a real estate agent, said she likes to keep moving and engaged in community activities, especially those benefiting the library.

Butera enjoyed dressing in period appropriate garb, complete with an oversized fur stole and an ornate cigarette holder, embracing the Hollywood theme.

“I came last year and it’s a great time,” she said.

Lois Ostrowski, president of the Pittston Memorial Library Board of Directors, hoped to retain her murder mystery title.

“We won last year,” she said of her team. “You just have to be attentive to the details.”

Library patron Elaine Zurek, a member of Ostrowski’s team, said she enjoyed the event’s theme, complete with both Old Hollywood themed ambience and costumes.

“It’s very ‘Bogi and Bacall,’” she said.

Noelle Kozak, library program coordinator, said the event was an opportunity to raise money for the library while bringing patrons out for a rather unique event.

Having driven from New York City to attend the event with a friend, Elizabeth Cosgrove said she couldn’t think of any better way to spend a Saturday night.

“Sure, you could go out to a bar or something, but this is really fun and something different,” she said.

At the conclusion of the event, the team ironically named “Clueless,” solved not one, but several murders, with attendees deeming the event a complete success.

“It’s a great way to raise money for the library,” said library employee Carol Coolbaugh. “I’m already looking forward to next year.”

Actress Carey Walden, dressed as ‘Oolala,’ works a table during a murder mystery dinner sponsored by the Pittston Memorial Library at Cooper’s Waterfront in Pittston.
https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/web1_Mystery1.jpgActress Carey Walden, dressed as ‘Oolala,’ works a table during a murder mystery dinner sponsored by the Pittston Memorial Library at Cooper’s Waterfront in Pittston. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Guest Roy Vaughn, of Bear Creek, shoots table photos at the murder mystery dinner.
https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/web1_Mystery2.jpgGuest Roy Vaughn, of Bear Creek, shoots table photos at the murder mystery dinner. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Actor Michaele Storrot portrays ‘Sir Warren Peace’ as he interacts with guests at Cooper’s Waterfront during the murder mystery dinner.
https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/web1_Mystery3.jpgActor Michaele Storrot portrays ‘Sir Warren Peace’ as he interacts with guests at Cooper’s Waterfront during the murder mystery dinner. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Fred Lokuta, of Dupont, snaps a photo of Elizabeth Cosgrove, of New York City, and sisters Noelle Kozak and Nicole Kozak, of Pittston.
https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/web1_Mystery4.jpgFred Lokuta, of Dupont, snaps a photo of Elizabeth Cosgrove, of New York City, and sisters Noelle Kozak and Nicole Kozak, of Pittston. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Anthony Fraccalvieri portrays ‘Detective Peter Ness’ as he mingles with the crowd at the murder mystery dinner sponsored by the Pittston Memorial Library at Cooper’s Waterfront in Pittston.
https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/web1_Mystery5.jpgAnthony Fraccalvieri portrays ‘Detective Peter Ness’ as he mingles with the crowd at the murder mystery dinner sponsored by the Pittston Memorial Library at Cooper’s Waterfront in Pittston. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch
Annual event benefits Pittston Memorial Library

By Geri Gibbons

For Sunday Dispatch

Reach the Sunday Dispatch newsroom at 570-655-1418 or by email at sd@psdispatch.com.