Titled “Murder at the Mixer,” the performance is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at the Hemet Public Library, located at 300 E. Latham Ave., according to a chamber news release.

    The show is written and directed by Stacey Bailey, a retired West Valley High School theater teacher who now serves on the Hemet Unified School District Board of Education.

    Local leaders and community members are stepping into character roles for the production. Among them are Linda Krupa, appearing as “Mayor Linda Coupon,” and Valerie Vandever, taking on the role of “Councilmember Valerie VanderBEE.” Hemet Unified Superintendent Christi Barrett will portray “Superintendent Christy Barista.”

    Additional cast members include Linda Greilich of Golden Era Productions as San Jacinto’s mayor pro tem, along with Derk Rodgers as Dr. Pleasant and Dan Goodrich as Detective Goodriddance. Chamber members Danica Wood, Debradawn Shockey, Monica Reichl and Drake Rodgers are also part of the ensemble, with a special appearance by chamber chairman Koka Lakshman.

    The event invites attendees to take part in the mystery, encouraging them to gather clues throughout the evening and piece together who committed the fictional crime. Two intermissions will give guests time to compare theories before making their final guess.

    Participants can purchase chances to name the culprit, priced at $2 for a single guess or $10 for six. Those who correctly identify the killer will be entered into a drawing for a gift basket valued at more than $100, according to organizers.

    Refreshments will be available for purchase during the event, including both alcoholic and nonalcoholic options.

    Tickets are priced at $20 and can be purchased through cast members, at the chamber office at 615 N. San Jacinto St. in Hemet, online at hemetsanjacintochamber.com, or at the door on the night of the event.

    For more information, the public can contact the Hemet-San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce at 951-658-3211 or by email at info@hsjchamber.com.

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HEMET, Calif. — The Hemet-San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce is inviting the community to an evening of suspense, laughter and theatrical fun with its upcoming production of “Murder at the Mixer,” a comedic murder mystery written and directed by Stacey Bailey.

The one-night-only event will take place Friday, May 9, at 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) at the Hemet Public Library, where the stage will be set for an entertaining whodunit filled with twists, turns and colorful characters.

Unlike traditional interactive productions, “Murder at the Mixer” unfolds as a fully staged performance, allowing audiences to sit back and enjoy the show — while still keeping their detective instincts sharp. At the conclusion of the play, guests will have the opportunity to cast their vote for who they believe committed the crime.

Audience members can purchase chances to submit their guess ($2 for one entry or six for $10). Those who correctly identify the culprit will be entered into a drawing for a gift basket valued at more than $100.

The production features a cast of recognizable local personalities portraying humorous, larger-than-life characters. Among them are Linda Greilich of Golden Era Productions as Clarissa, San Jacinto’s mayor pro tem; Valerie Vandever, San Jacinto Councilwoman as the ditzy Valerie VanderBEE; Linda Krupa as Hemet Mayor Linda Coupon; Christy Barrett as Hemet Superintendent Christy Barista; Derk Rodgers as Dr. Pleasant; and Dan Goodrich as Detective Goodriddance. Chamber members Danica Wood, Debradawn Shockey, Monica Reichl and Drake Rodgers also appear, along with a special appearance by Koka.

Refreshments, including both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, will be available for purchase.

Bailey, who wrote and directed the play, is a longtime educator and former theater teacher at West Valley High School, where she taught for 35 years. In recognition of her impact, the school’s theater was named in her honor upon her retirement.

Tickets are $20 and may be purchased from cast members, at the Chamber office, at the door or online through Eventbrite (additional fees may apply).

For more information, contact the Hemet-San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce or visit its website for ticket details.

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Hu is widely recognized in the classical music world, having won the prestigious Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Competition in 2008. She also received the Golden Melody Award for Best Classical Album in 2012. A Steinway Artist, Hu currently serves as artist in residence and a member of the piano faculty at Temple University in Philadelphia.

In addition to her academic role, Hu maintains an active performance schedule, leading master classes and artist residencies at universities and music festivals around the globe.

The concert will take place at the Tahquitz High School Performing Arts Center, located at 4425 Titan Trail in Hemet.

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Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. The annual celebration of Juneteenth holds great significance in American history, marking the day when news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached enslaved African Americans in Texas on June 19, 1865, two years after it was initially issued.

BVOV’s Juneteenth Celebration aims to honor this important day by bringing the community together in a spirit of unity and joy. The event will feature a variety of activities for all ages, including information booths, retail vendors, food vendors, a kids’ zone, a beer garden, games, prizes, live music, and a DJ spinning tunes throughout the day.

Stephanie Bruce, founder and Executive Director of BVOV, said last year’s inaugural event drew a large turnout and overwhelming support from the community. This year, organizers are expecting an even greater attendance as they continue to celebrate the rich history and culture of Juneteenth.

The family-friendly day of fun, fellowship and celebration is open to all. Bruce is pleased with the outpouring of support from the following sponsors: The City of Hemet, Hemet-San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce, Riverside County Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez, Sheltered Pathways, Neighborhood Link, Lamas Housing, Elijah Cares, Soboba Foundation, Tati’s Generation Breakout Fit Foundation, One House Band, SBX Youth and Family Services, Butler Cleaning, Love Right United, and Choice 1 Printing.

Mary Henley Park is at 1801 Kirby Street, Hemet. For more information, www.blackvoicesofthevalley.org.

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