MLT Risks Naughty List With Criminal Caper

Seating limited for dinner theater with interactive component

By Bonnijean Cooney Adams
The Tube City Almanac
December 10, 2025
Posted in: Entertainment

A small group of McKeesport Little Theater performers and members have joined forces for a different kind of fundraiser this holiday season.

“A Criminal Christmas Caper” is an adult dinner theater murder mystery presented for one night only on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m.

Tickets include the show and a three-course meal. Holiday-themed attire enters guests to win a door prize. Cost is $40, with a limit of 80 tickets being sold in advance. None will be sold at the door.

MLT veteran Gavin Calgaro wears two hats – as director and one of the characters – for the Christmas caper.

“MLT has discussed hosting dinner theatre events in the past, but scheduling and organizing another event in an already-very-busy season is difficult,” Calgaro said.

“When I joined the fundraising committee, I volunteered to assist with overseeing several aspects of the show, and other members have generously volunteered additional time to get it up and running,” he said.

“We feel that it is an excellent way to invite people back into the theater and add some variety to our programming,” the director said, “all while fundraising for a place we love.”

The murder mystery takes place in one room within a hotel or restaurant during a three-course meal.

The setting for “A Criminal Christmas Caper” is the Belfrey Hotel, managed by the husband-and-wife team of Ivor and Phyllis Bookin (Calgaro and Olga Brinder). The Bookins have welcomed residents in for a traditional holiday meal. But before the festivities can get underway, someone is found deceased. Foul play is suspected.

“I don’t want to spoil anything,” Calgaro said, “but there is a murder discovered early on in the evening. From there, anything can happen. This show does have a script, and we stick closely to it, but have also worked on some light improvisation to give the show a more casual, conversational feel.”

The director explained the production is handled differently than a typical mainstage show because of its nature and as a fundraiser.

“Rather than the usual ‘crew’ positions (stage manager, etc), this show has the cast work together to manage the operation of the show, as well as feature a host for the evening,” Calgaro said.

In addition to Calgaro and Brinder, the cast includes Dylan Pal as the Host/Detective, Mark Barrett as Vinnie De’Tableau the Waiter, Alexis Hawk as Silvia Service the Waitress, and Ashley Thompson as Cathy Terize, the Nurse.

Asked to describe the show, Calgaro said, “This is a mix of an interactive experience and a performance. Although the plot of the evening is scripted out and rehearsed, there are many moments where actors may speak to audience members directly.

“We know that's not everyone's cup of tea, which is why we've created options for guests. Those who are interested in audience interaction will have a very specific (and festive) way of showing their interest,” he said. “All guests are encouraged to spend the evening watching the performances to guess whodunnit. Audiences should expect a fun evening, complete with dinner and a show!”

Bonnijean Cooney Adams is a freelance contributor. She can be reached at adamsclick@aol.com.

Originally published December 10, 2025.

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