Break out the devil’s food cake and candles, because Master Mystery Productions is about to turn ten years old in 2025! To celebrate, we are doing something special and totally new. Our very first show, performed long before MMP was even a thought in our founder’s head, was a 1920’s speakeasy mystery with gangsters, flappers, and undercover detectives we called Murder at the Red Fez. And we are taking this once humble mystery and making it grander than ever with a fresh script full of new surprises (and solution), gorgeous costumes, live music, and actors. For the first time, this popular trunk show will be given the glamorous, showstopper treatment, and we need performers to help us make this tenth anniversary show a smash hit!

AUDITIONS

Friday and Saturday, January 3 and 4, 2025 

4 to 6 p.m. at Red Rock Books

206 W. Ridgecrest Blvd.

Ridgecrest, CA

Murder at the Red Fez began life as a commission from the Red Hat Ladies of Bakersfield who wanted a 1920’s-themed murder mystery party to play. Custom-written for their group (with an homage to their red hats in the title), the trunk show originally starred only 3 performers–two victims and an emcee–with the suspects played by the ladies. It was a massive success. This was back in 2013, and originally was just a one-off production. In 2015, writer/director Daniel Stallings remembered this commission and used his knowledge to pitch a new show which became Goodbye Hollywood. Master Mystery Productions quickly formed, and it has since grown to nearly 40 productions across the West Coast for the past ten years. We retroactively declared Murder at the Red Fez the first Master Mystery Production in recognition of its impact on the future of the company. It has been revived three further times in 2015, 2019, and 2021. So as our tenth anniversary approaches, it was time for us to turn this Jazz Age mystery into a full-fledged theatrical production! Think The Great Gatsby. Think Chicago, the musical. Think Cabaret. Think a vintage Agatha Christie thriller. Stir it together like a fine cocktail, and you get Murder at the Red Fez.

Actors need to be age 15 and older to audition. Those under 18 will need a parent/guardian signature on a permission slip AND a parent/guardian MUST attend any and all rehearsals their child attends. One role–Diamond LaPore–is listed as a lounge singer, and we invite actresses who sing to audition for that part, if they so desire. The other parts are non-singing. There are six roles to fill.

The show performs March 28, 29, April 4, 5, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. with two Sunday matinees on March 30 and April 6 at 2 p.m. at Moe’s Music (207 W. Ridgecrest Blvd.).

During auditions, everyone will fill out an audition form which will ask for basics such as name, email, experience, availability, etc. These are just basics to give us an understanding on who the performer is as well as contact information. Then we pair up performers for cold readings of selected scenes from the original script by Daniel Stallings. Rehearsal schedule will be finalized after auditions based on actor availability. After auditions, casting emails will be sent out to actors.

If you are unable to attend the posted audition dates, but are still interested in trying out, message us on Facebook or email us at mastermysteryproductions@hotmail.com to schedule an outside audition.

SYNOPSIS

Untangle your pearls and don your fedoras. We’re stepping out tonight to the best speakeasy this side of Chicago. The Red Fez was the height of underground luxury, and Michael O’Rourke—rumored to be the notorious gangster Mickey the Muckler—welcomes all manner of shady characters and sparkling heirs and heiresses to fling away their daddy’s fortunes at his club. While flappers enjoy the music and the drinks, some mischievous mastermind ices Mickey for good. With the manager imposing a lockdown until he finds (and personally eliminates) the one who likes their bodies like they like their drinks — cold, the Red Fez will soon overflow with secret identities, suspicions, and stolen goods. What is the lounge singer afraid of? What is that paper folded in the doorman’s pocket? Where has Mickey’s moll disappeared to? For the tenth anniversary of Master Mystery Productions, we’re bringing our very first mystery show, Murder at the Red Fez, to audiences with a fresh script, live music, and scene-stealing performances. It’s gonna be a swingin’ good crime!

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Diamond LaPore — Lounge singer at the Red Fez. Says it’s the best gig this side of Chicago. Very quiet about her past and her prior relationships before becoming a singer. After a devastating heartbreak when she was younger, Diamond now famously paints a single, sparkling diamond tear in makeup down one cheek. Diamond LaPore can also be transformed into a singing role, and actresses who wish to sing live at the show may submit a video audition of their singing to mastermysteryproductions@hotmail.com. A YouTube link would be sufficient. We invite interested actresses to record a 1-and-a-half to 2 minute audition piece to a jazz standard or musical theatre piece in your range. Chicago, Cabaret, and Thoroughly Modern Millie are excellent musical options. Deadline for musical auditions is January 4th at 11:59 p.m.

Velma Sloane — The infamous Sloane heiress who can’t resist being a bright, young thing despite her millionaire father’s strangely worded last will and testament hanging over her head. Her special talents are balancing several men in rotation, mixing cocktails, and avoiding the limelight.

Elizabeth Buchanan — Feisty flapper with diamonds in her ever-watchful eyes who may have secret connection with the Red Fez that she’d rather keep buried. When she’s not laughing too hard at jokes that aren’t that funny, she’s often found hiding in more shadowy corners of the club, waiting for someone to be alone.

Millie Carraway — Daughter of a celebrated art critic gambling away her father’s money and her allowance at the roulette and blackjack tables. She can spot a forged painting, a bad check, and a watered-down drink with equal skill.

Patrick O’Rourke — Doorman and manager at the Red Fez and brother to Mickey the Muckler. Married to his wife for many years and is fending off Millie Carraway’s advances. With his brother unmarried and childless, Patrick’s got his eyes on the prize: the family business.

John/Joan Cavendish — Bartender/Cigarette girl at the Red Fez. Something about him/her seems off in the convivial atmosphere in the club. Could it be the eyes that never stop moving? Or the out-of-place pencil tucked behind his/her ear? Written to be performed by any gender.

With glamour, mischief, and suspects with lots of skeletons in their cupboards, Murder at the Red Fez is a classic murder mystery that will be given a sexy, sparkly new twist for 2025. We welcome anyone who is interested to audition. No theatrical experience is necessary. We are happy to take and develop new talent all the time. Anyone interested in taking part in tech should also come to auditions to sign up. If you have questions or concerns or want to schedule a private audition, email us at mastermysteryproductions@hotmail.com or message Master Mystery Productions on Facebook.

We’ll see you at auditions!

–Master Mystery Productions