Mid-Columbia Lions Follies Presents: “WHODUNIT” (Photo) - 03/17/26
LOCATION: Hood River Middle School Auditorium
DATES: March 20, 21, 22, 27, 28
The Mid-Columbia Lions Follies cast and crew will be bringing back their fun-filled musical performance on March 20, 21, 27, 28 at 7 pm and the Sunday matinee, March 22 at 2 pm. All performances are at the Hood River Middle School Auditorium located at 1602 May Street in Hood River. Tickets are $15.00 General admission, $12 for Seniors and students and $10 for ages 12 and under. Ages 5 and under are free. Tickets may be purchased at Waucoma Book Store, Key Bank, on-line, and at the door.
“WHODUNIT” is a murder mystery built around artificial intelligence, - AI. It is a story about the Baxter family has just a few hours before word of their patriarch’s death by unusual circumstances reaches the media, Their business is about to explode and their investors may pull funding. Famous detectives from the past are called in to help solve the crime. This sounds serious, but in the Follies way, music, comedy and the flair of the dramatic take place for a fun-filled performance.
The cast consists of local performers. The Baxters are played by Jacob Hollenberry in his stage debut, Sarah Fox and Colton Nussbaum. Amy Maddy plays the nanny. Detectives consist of Jeremy Belcher as Philip Marlowe, Dave Tallman as Adrian Monk, Beth Gatewood (a Follies newcomer) and Sandy Belcher as Jessica Fletcher. The Scooby Doo kids join in the hunt as well – Grant Hinman, Brayden Belcher, Honor Ivy, and Addie Goss. They are all joined by newcomer to Follies, Rebekah McAlister and Izzie Hollenberry, who also is the costumer for the show.
The show was written by the Follies writer, Terri Tyler. Her quick wit and creative thoughts always lead the way to a fun show, and this one is no different. Bev Bridgewater is the Producer/Director, assisted by Amy Maddy as Vocal Director, Gayle Huwe as Properties, and Cindy Biddle as Stage Manager. Using AI as part of the show has been a challenge, which Bridgewater admits she is very limited. Fortunately, Shay Belcher, Sarah Fox and Colton Nussbaum stepped up to make all the music and background happen to create the magic for this AI-themed show.
Hood River Lions, Hood River Eye Opener Lions, and The Dalles Lions are the sponsoring clubs of the show. The Hood River Leos will be offering cookies and water during the performances. “We are so excited every year to present our version of entertainment to an audience.” Bridgewater says. “This year’s show has a mystery to solve, and there is plenty of music, comedy and action. It’s Follies!”
All proceeds go to the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF), a statewide nonprofit whose mission is to screen, treat, save, and restore sight and hearing in partnership with Lions Clubs. 100% of donations go directly to sight and hearing programs that help Oregonians in need to access eyeglasses, hearing assistance, treatments, and surgeries. The OLSHF, supported by the local Lions, perform sight screening for over 200,000 students across the State, including Hood River and Wasco county schools. Further, local Lions provide sight grants to local folks in need. The Follies has donated over $435,000 to the OLSHF over the years, making it the highest single donor to the Foundation. For information on local support, contact Trudy Tallman at 541-380-0544.