In 1958, they didn’t used to do things in just the way we might do them today. Take the memorial service for a young actress, Sophia Vance, for example. You might think it would take place at Forest Lawn. But you’d be wrong. Her memorial for a few hundred of her biggest fans commences at Vitello’s Restaurant, with a great Italian spread, and what promises to be a revealing night of remembrances.
This witty and tasty concoction blends food, drink and song with a reenactment that challenges the guests to solve the puzzle of what happened the fateful night that Sophia Vance met her demise driving down PCH. Creators Kevin Allen Jackson and Kristine Dickson not only devised the mystery, but developed a pad-locked box of clues to unravel while watching the story unfold amongst the tables. The 1950s song-fest, including such hits as “Three Coins in a Fountain” and “It Get a Kick Out of You” is just right to reinforce the ambiance of Vitello’s to heighten the suspense.
Directed by Hollywood scion, Noah Blake, the actors recreate the Studio world of starlets that includes the crusty make-up man, Arthur Clarkson (Scott Striegel), the washed-up actor who played a detective on tv (director Blake, doing double duty), and the heart throb and supposed fiancé, johnny Turner (Anthony Carro). To resolve the mystery, we have none other than gossip columnist, Edith Sinclair (Sarah Wolter) to walk us through. And, of course, we must do homage to our hostess, “Vitello” maven, Mama Vitello (Brianna Kellum) to spice things up. But the question on everyone’s lips is “who was Sephia Vance?” Only Britanni Pirolozzoli knows the truth.
To help extend the ambiance, costuming designed by Juliette Lunger plays a key role. And sound (Jake Eberle) as well as uncredited spot-lighting are essential here, as well as video by Wes “Charlie” Chappell.
I guarantee you that you will have a stimulating as well as “filling” evening trying to get to the bottom of the mystery, “What happened to Sophia Vance?”
A Killer Night in Studio City continues at Vitello’s Restaurant, 4349 Tujunga Blvd, Studio City, 91604, on selected dates: Thursday, Oct. 8th at 6 pm; Saturday, Oct 17 at 2 pm; Sunday, Oct. 18th at 2 pm; Tuesday, Oct. 20th at 6 pm; Wednesday, Oct. 21st at 6 pm; Thursday, Oct. 29th at 6 pm; and Saturday, Oct 31st at 5pm and 8 pm. The ticket price ($135) includes dinner and all fees, For online ticketing: https://www.akillernightlive.com/studiocity/tickets.
.
