Murder + Suspense = A Mystery

Mystery and suspense take center stage once again this June when the second Annual International Mystery Writers’ Festival returns to Owensboro. Held at the RiverPark Center, June 12^th – 22^nd, the Mystery Festival promises a multitude of new and exciting entertainment. You will have the opportunity to attend the world premiere of thirteen new mystery plays and screenplays, rub elbows with a few distinguished celebrities from theater, television and motion pictures, and witness a spectacular display of new talent!

               Last year’s inaugural Festival was a huge hit and no doubt will audiences be thrilled once again. Professional readers from several literary agencies selected the works for this year’s festival. They not only selected established writers’ works, but several young up and coming writers as well.

 “The committee was overwhelmed by the quality of submissions – both from established writers and new talent,” said Festival producer, Zev Buffman. “There is no other mega-mystery event like it in the world. Where else could you see the debut of work from legends such as Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury, Mary Higgins Clark, and Rupert Holmes alongside a newly discovered author from Madisonville, Kentucky?”

 These talented professionals submitted scripts for stage productions, motion picture screenplays, television teleplays, and radio scripts. In June, the best of these entries will be showcased at three popular stages throughout Owensboro: Cannon Hall, Berry Theatre, and Trinity Theatre (TWO).

The International Mystery Writers’ Festival is pleased to announce the four finalists for the staged play portion of the event. Out of hundreds of submissions, these four rose to the top. Some of the highlights include the US premier of the highly anticipated discovery of a lost play by world-renowned playwright, Agatha Christie – Chimneys. “This classic mystery combines royal intrigue, blackmail, murder and a dash of romance.” Stuart Kaminsky’s latest Sherlock Holmes adventure, The Final Toast, will also make its world premier at the Mystery Festival. This clever new plot will put Holmes himself at the heart of his own investigation. The psychological mystery, The Last Appointment by Donald C. Drake, will have you holding your breath as the search for a deranged serial killer unfolds. Finally, Cell by Judy Class, will have your rooting for two brothers as they make life-altering decisions. More information, including performance dates, times and a brief synopsis of each play can be found at www.newmysteries.org.

Mary Higgins Clark to win the coveted Angie Award for lifetime
achievement in mystery, thriller and suspense writing.
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 This entertainment event will also showcase the dramatic readings of screenplays categorized as Widescreen Audio Live (WSAL) performances. The screenplays include “Armchair Detective – A ‘Remember WENN’ Mystery Musical” by Tony, Emmy and Edger-Award winner Rupert Holmes; “Murder Times Two” by Ellery Queen Award winner Robert S. Levinson; “The Help” by Bill Kerby; “It Burns Me Up” by Oscar Award winning Ray Bradbury; “My Gal Sunday” adapted from Mary Higgins Clark’s Crime of Passion;Hollywood to Pittsburg to the Louisiana Bayou. You will unearth mystery after mystery and constantly wonder what will happen next. Blackmail, murder, betrayal, and all the usual mystery mix will make these new productions an instant hit.   “Flemming: An American Thriller” by Same Bobrick; “The Cajun P.I.” by PJ Woodside and Jude Roy; “Mapes for Hire” by Lee Goldberg; and “Hallie Bowers” by Harris Mack and Laura Campbell. These thrilling performances will take you on a journey from the “Golden Radio Age” to present day Congress, from

Yet, the highlight of this summer’s event is the presence of “The First Lady of Mystery” and winner of the Festival’s most distinguished award The Angie – Mary Higgins Clark! This prestigious author will play a large role in the festival by participating in several events, including discussions on her novels as they transition from book to film, teaching several master classes, a book signing, and presenting the award for the Mystery Play of the Year.

Clark is one of the most talented mystery writers of our time. She has sold over 80 million copies of her books, received numerous honors and awards, and even had an award named after her (Mary Higgins Clark Award given by the Mystery Writers of America). Rightfully so, there will be a celebration held on June 21 in honor of the “Queen of Suspense.” 

“Not only are we honored by her participation and presence, but festival-goers will have the unique opportunity to see one of her scripts adapted as a live Wide Screen Audio program...They will have the chance to meet with her and learn from her vast experience,” says Buffman.

Kentucky Governor, Ernie Fletcher, will honor Mary Higgins Clark at the Finale on June 22. The Angie Awards gala will award the best of the best in several categories including Best Play, Best Actor, and Best Director. The Audiences for the festival will actually help select the winners in each category. A win at the Mystery Festival will give these authors the chance to propel their new works into the international world of movies, radio, television, and theatre. “The Angie Awards will be a dramatic glitzy ending to an international phenomenon know as the International Mystery Writers Festival.”

Other events to take place during this June’s festival include the opening and closing ceremonies, “Master Classes” on writing with industry professionals, and outdoor screenings of mystery movies. Certainly, this event is not to be missed!

  Ticket prices will range from $9.95 to $29.95, while Wide Screen Audio Plays will be under $10. Master classes and special guest presentations are free. Many of these events coincide with Friday After Five and other downtown events. Group discounts and package deals are available at different price levels based on the number of productions attends. One great opportunity to catch all of the suspense is to join the Crimson Quill Club, where you can get closer to the action and take advantage of a private lounge with light snacks and a cash bar.  Event promoters stress that this is likely to be a hot ticket, so don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of the mystery.

For more information or to make reservations, call 270-687-2770 or visit www.newmysteries.org.