The cast of last year's murder mystery event at the Chenango Arts Council. This year the mystery is "Murder at the Melodrama," where attendees will have to solve a shocking murder during opening night at the Grand Victoria, set in 1892. The show will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 22. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH — The Chenango Arts Council, located at 27 West Main Street in Norwich, will be hosting an interactive murder mystery show titled "Murder at the Melodrama" at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 22.

The show centers around the opening night of a play at the Grand Victoria in 1892. Drama and controversy abound with rival playwrights, stars, and a notorious theater critic. A sudden death stops the show, and audience members must help to identify the killer.

The play is headlined by character Narcissa Devine, much to the dismay of theater owner Ida Songbird. The show itself is steeped in controversy, with playwrights and former friends Daniel Steal and Cain Abel both claiming to have written the play, and both wishing for understudy Lucy Lostchild to steal the spotlight.

Notorious theater critic Alfonse McGreedy is also attending the play, poised to cut the leading lady down to size. Devine's enemies are offset by Duke Richman, an ardent suitor with a strong interest in the diva's life 25 years ago. Then, just before the curtains rise, DeVine's leading man is replaced by a complete stranger, and a shocking murder brings the show to a halt.

Tickets for "Murder at the Melodrama" are $25 per person, and can be purchased online at ChenangoArts.org.