Murder is an "Art."

Mike spent over 7 years as the Regional Artistic Director for the largest murder mystery company in the U.S.A.  

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He has played many roles in musical theatre including "Tevye" in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and "Daddy Warbucks" in ANNIE. He also performed improv with the well-known Orange County Crazies.  Mike has directed dozens of murder mystery comedies. 

 

As an Author/Composer, Mike created ALADDIN & THE SWINGING GENIES (Children's Musical), A FOOL AND HIS MONEY, CHISELERS ON THE HOOF, and wrote about 100 original songs.  He also co-authored THE LAST RIDE, FREDO & FIONAS WHACKED WEDDING, and BEST LAID PLANS.

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An accomplished vocalist, Michael recorded "Hurtin' Heart.Com" penned by Emmy winner Ken Wannberg and Shirley Packard. 

 

His biggest accomplishment is that he has been married to Ellen for over 50 years. 

Ellen was actively involved in the performing arts since her college days in Long Beach, CA.  She directed and emceed numerous murder mystery/comedy productions alongside her husband, Michael.  

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Author of KARAOKE KILLS ME and DEAD IN THE SLED, and co-author of THINGS THAT GO BUMP, THE LAST RIDE, FREDO & FIONA'S WHACKED WEDDING,'56 VICKY, and several other works, Ellen had a knack for making audiences crack up.  

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Ellen played the role of "Stella" in STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, "Nancy" in THE KNACK, "Edna" in MURDER BY MISTLETOE, "Ouiser" in STEEL MAGNOLIAS, and crazy "Abbie Brewster" in ARSENIC AND OLD LACE. 

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When she was not writing, she enjoyed spending time with her family or visiting her horse, "Tabasco."   Ellen passed away on April 10, 2023, and is greatly missed, but her legacy will forever live on in her words.  

Melanie has directed and/or choreographed over 60 full-length musicals and performed in over 50 plays and musicals, throughout the west coast.  

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A founding company member of the Southern CA branch of Murder Mystery Players, Melanie provided "drop dead" performances in Los Angeles, Irvine, Ontario, Orange County and surrounding areas for over 7 years.  Her favorite murder mystery roles to date have been the evil bridezilla in FREDO AND FIONA'S WHACKED WEDDING and the slightly lost Terry Fay salesgirl, "Bambi Kulakowski."  Other faves include "Gladys" in THE PAJAMA GAME, "Sally Bowles" in CABARET, and the title role in EVITA.

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Melanie acts, directs, writes, sings, dances, and does graphic/web design/marketing/videography/

photography for the company. 

 

She is also the Artistic Director and Founder of  "C.R.O.W. - Children's Repertory of Oregon Workshops" - a non-profit youth theatre program, dedicated to providing high caliber performing arts experiences to local children.  www.crowkids.com