In 'Who Squealed on the Blind Pig?'Albany theater goes back in time with a mystery that makes the audience part of the show

By Heather Crabtree/Photos by Scobel Wiggins

The Entertainer

Flinn's Living History Theater will open its production of "Who Squealed on the Blind Pig," at 6:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, for dinner and show, and 7 p.m. for show only, at the theater, 222 First Ave. S.W., Albany.

Additional performances will be held Sept. 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 and 30, and Oct. 1.

"Who Squealed on the Blind Pig?" is a murder mystery and, like all of Flinn's productions, is a period play. Set in Linn County in the 1920s during Prohibition, the play follows the exploits of the patrons of The Whoopie Club, a speakeasy, on the night that Sheriff Kendall raided the club.

Though the play is based on historical research on Albany's Blind Pig, which was located in The Venetian Theater building, the murder is fiction, said Ellen Lilja, the play's author, in a press release.

Between fact and fiction, the entire play is sprinkled with humor.

What makes this production different than Flinn's other plays is that the entire theater is turned into the club, complete with gaming tables lining the perimeter of the theater. Patrons are issued "Beagle Bucks," which they can use at the tables.

Guests are also encouraged to come dressed in 1920s attire, although costumes are not required.

The cast for "Who Squealed on the Blind Pig?" is: Dennis Brown as Scottie; Loren Dunn as Woody; Bill Lilja as Bill Beagles; Gary Timms as Judge Kelley; Mike Terwillerger as Albany Mayor; Carol Leder as Madame Ginger; Debby Gill as Tootsie; Stephanie Halstead as Angel; Rose Starky as Dollie; Erin Cavette as Joey; Lindsey Klink as Carrie; Persephone Athene as Mitzi; Nancy Homan as Maxie; Ryan Fox as Harry; Ellen Lilja as Gertrude Thiggenbottem; Chris Williams as Sheriff Kendall; Michael Perlin as Newsy; Nikolas Gribskov as Shiner; June Buechting as Helen Morgan; Joe Medicia as Tony; Dave Feinberg as Henry; Satch Gill as Technical.

If you go

WHAT: "Who Squealed on the Blind Pig," a murder mystery play.

WHERE: Flinn's Living History Theater, 222 S.W. First Ave., Albany.

WHEN: 6:15 p.m., dinner and show; 7 p.m., show only, Sept. 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 and 30 and Oct. 1.

COST: $27.50, dinner and show; $10, show only. Call Flinn's at 928-5008 for reservations.