THINGS TO DO
Theater with a Maricopa twist Local actors take center stage as Broadway Maricopa brings dinner theater back for a second mystery
BY TOM SCHUMAN
URING AND AFTER THE FIRST two Broadway Maricopa pro- ductions, artistic director Marcus Ellsworth was asked many times whether he was bringing in professional performers for the local shows. “They couldn’t believe the performers were from right here in Maricopa,” he said. “The idea is to bring the community together and provide something Maricopa can be proud of. I want people to know there are super talented people here in Maricopa.” That local talent will take the stage again this month for Broadway Maricopa’s second murder mystery dinner theater production. “A Murder at the Haunted Manor” will run Oct. 22-24 at the Central Arizona College Events Center. The company’s debut production in February 2025, “Murder Aboard the S.S. Jungle Queen,” sold out its performances. Like the first show, the new production will combine dinner with an immersive, interactive mystery. James Creighton, a Latin teacher at Heritage Academy, was part of that first production, playing the villain Barnaby in “Murder Aboard the S.S. Jungle Queen.” Creighton, who has been involved in theater since high school and through college and community theater in Albuquerque, said the role pushed him into something new. “I had never done anything like that before. Marcus threw the role my way and said to be great. I found it to be a lot of fun, especially getting to take it over the top,” Creighton said. He later served as stage manager for “The Wizard of Oz” and is acting and stage managing the upcoming production. For Creighton, the appeal goes beyond performing. “It brings something really important. The theater is amazing for people to get involved … and the community that comes with it.” Ellsworth earned a master’s degree in theater from Arizona State University. He is D
While young people will not be on stage for the murder mystery, they are an integral part of the Broadway Maricopa mission. A Fall Academy included three classes and workshops for children age 6 through 17. Providing educational opportunities is key for Ellsworth. “I have a big place in my heart for that.” The cast for “A Murder at the Haunted Manor” was announced in August. Twice- weekly evening rehearsals allow community members to participate while balancing their regular jobs and responsibilities. The preparation often picks up in the final weeks leading to the show. “I’m just excited to have a real presence here in Maricopa,” Ellsworth said. “This level of interactivity and high-quality theater has been missing.” He encourages anyone who wants to be involved in future productions — including actors, directors, vendors, sponsors — to email BroadwayMaricopa@gmail.com. Tickets for “A Murder at the Haunted Manor” are available through the website. Mocktails will also be available during the dinner show. Broadway Maricopa’s next production will be the murder mystery “An Inheritance Most Fatal” in February 2027.
a playwright, performer and educator who moved to Maricopa 12 years ago to start the Heritage Academy arts department. He now oversees recruiting for all of Heritage’s Arizona campuses. He shared with InMaricopa how the murder mystery dinner concept works and set the stage for the upcoming show. “The servers who serve you dinner are part of the show. The last time was a four-course meal and we’re stepping up the menu even more. We pull out all the stops on the scenery. From the time you enter until the time you leave, you are immersed. “The story is about a deceased casino owner who leaves his son his (haunted) manor and staff. The father won’t let the son leave until he figures out who killed the father,” he continued. “At the end, the audience can guess who the murderer is and win prizes. There will be other giveaways and surprises. It’s just like you would expect to experience if you were going to a professional dinner theater in a big city.” Looking back, Ellsworth said the initial murder mystery dinner show “just went great. I’m so proud of that production. The actors, many of them pillars in the community, did such a great job. It was so much fun.” Broadway Maricopa has since expanded beyond the murder mystery format. Earlier this year, nearly 70 cast members took part in a musical version of “The Wizard of Oz.” This included many youth performers. The show featured handmade sets, custom lighting and locally-produced costumes.
BroadwayMaricopa.com
InMaricopa.com | October 2026
October 2026 | InMaricopa.com
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