Movie Stars, Mayhem & Murder...

Movie Stars, Mayhem & Murder
by Hedda Lauper   Photos by Laurie Bauer

If spending a beautiful Baja evening under the stars, sipping a toddy, laughing and enjoying Blue Moon Production 's latest play sounds like the perfect evening out, then  make sure you get yourself out to see 'And Then There Was Nun'.   Presented on the classically designed stage of Teatro Luna Azul in the the charming Pueblo Magico of Todos Santos, this is a unique destination that you must see.

'And Then There Was Nun' combines a little of Agatha Christie and a lot of old Hollywood trivia amid the gutsy all-out performances of local actors.  It’s a fun, witty and campy ride with a star studded cast of Hollywood Icons.  Audiences love it, the cast is obviously having a blast and everyone leaves the venue feeling good!

The staging and costuming, all in some version of black and white art deco, is truly quite stunning.  Many of the props, beautifully crafted and detailed, were created by gifted artist Marilyn Doran. Greatly influenced by her grandmother and great-grandmother, Doran learned early on that she could make “something special out of discarded materials.”  Years later, as co-owner with husband Larry of a manufacturing plant that made high quality speakers for large venues, her access to various materials dramatically increased as they traveled the world.  Huge themed parties and fabulous productions for her kids’ schools all became an opportunity for Marilyn to utilize her versatile talents and visions.  

In ' And Then There Was Nun' , Doran’s props…among them a red herring, a plate of crackers/cheese, a loaf of bread…are so life-like that the actors marvel at the authenticity. Director/producer/actress Isabel Smyth emphasizes, “When the set, props and costumes are more authentic, the entire production is exponentially enhanced.”

Joining Katherine Hepburn (Isabel Smyth) on stage are Alfred Hitchcock (Robert Hall), Hattie McDaniels (Miriam Sanchez), Vivien Leigh (Jeanne Rogers), Joan Crawford (Vickie Butler), Bette Davis (Pat Raines), Gloria Swanson (Anita Harris), Tallulah Bankhead (Donna Schultz), Mae West (Kat Wilson), Marilyn Monroe (Valma Brenton/Tara Miller) and Judy Garland (Marilyn Martin).

For a mysterious, merry evening of local theater, plan to attend a performance of 'And Then There Was Nun' on February 17-18; March 2-3; or March 9-10.  Tickets can be purchased at Tecolote Bookstore for 200 pesos.  Out of towner's  can reserve 'will call ' tickets by contacting bluemooninbaja@yahoo.com.    Doors open at 6:30 PM (Yes, there is a well-stocked bar!); curtain is at 7:30 PM.