The Arms Family Museum of Local History is the setting for 34west’s upcoming web series “Clues: The Butler’s Belfry” which will air online throughout October. The classic board game ‘Clue’ gets spoofed with death-defying banter and semipsychological goofiness. The museum functions as home to the eccentric philanthropist “Mr. Body.”
“We were absolutely thrilled to receive permission from The Mahoning Valley Historical Society to film at the museum,” says 34west Artistic Director Jeff Querin. “The home is an ideal location for Body Manor.”
34west worked closely with the Curator of Education for the museum, Rebecca Whittenberger, in securing the location. Built in 1905 in the “Arts and Crafts” style, the home reflects many similarities to the fictional mansion in the story. “Olive Arms was one of the direct descendents of the founding families of Youngstown and was known to entertain from time to time,” says Whittenberger. “Unfortunately, there is no ‘real’ mystery surrounding Mrs. Arms.”
The web series, which is basically a television series made for the internet, will feature short scenes from 34west’s upcoming October mystery dinner theater at Das Dutch Village Inn, Columbiana. “Our live mystery series have always been popular with audiences,” says Querin. “They’re zany, interactive, and surprising. Streaming these online is a perfect fit.”
Featured in the cast are 34west company members Jeff Querin, Stephen Wayne, Maria Householder and Magdalyn Donnelly. Each actor plays multiple parts, which adds to the silliness of the “webisodes.” Querin adds, “It’s very similar to what you’d see on Mad TV or Saturday Night Live, where the same actor plays many roles.”
A new episode of “Clues: The Butler’s Belfry” will air at www.34west.org/films each week in October leading up to the live dinner theater performances in Columbiana, October 27, 28, 29, with a special matinee on October 27.
The live performances will take place in the elegant banquet center of Das Dutch Village Inn of Columbiana, 150 E. state Route 14. Seating for evening shows begins at 6:45 p.m, with a four-course meal beginning at 7 p.m. Seating for matinees begins at 11:45 p.m, with a four course meal at 12:00. Tickets are $40 ($35 matinee); discount given for groups of 8 or more. For
reservations and lodging information call 1-866-482-5050.
To visit the “real” Body Manor in person, The Arms Family Museum is open for tours Tuesday-Sunday. The Mahoning Valley Historical Society is opening a new building in September of 2012: the Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center. To learn more, become a fan on Facebook or visit www.mahoninghistory.org
