Cruise director Gina, played by Margie Fairaday, holds off an upset honeymooner, played by Glenys Burdick, as the always intoxicated captain, John Klenk, stirs the SS Amore through the rough waters of the Alaska Fine Arts Academy dinner theater production of "A Honeymoon From Hell" murder mystery. Star Photo By DARRELL L. BREESE

There is nothing more romantic than a cruise on the Mediterranean with a loved one by your side, but it all goes wrong for the passengers aboard the SS Amore when someone is murdered, disrupting the on-board talent show.

Alaska Fine Arts Academy invites you to bring your Valentine aboard for the dinner-theater production of "A Honeymoon from Hell," with five shows at the Eagle River Elks Club.

The show follows the adventures of two loving couples who set sail for their honeymoons, mixed in with the antics of a misfit crew on the open waters.

Joey and Barbie, newlyweds, are enjoying their honeymoon.

Al and Tillie are aboard the cruise for a second honeymoon for their 40th anniversary, when a shot rings out and someone is killed during the 'Love Boat' Idol type talent competition in the ship's main theater.

Is the murderer a jealous spouse, a disgruntled crewmember, or an angry contestant?

A talented group of local actors will assist the audience in discovering the perpetrators of this terrible crime.

"It's an outrageous night of fun, mystery and fine food," said assistant director Lorna Miley. "Guests will receive a clue package and help the cast solve the crime, while enjoying a tasty dinner."

The night begins with some of the top local talent and maybe a few audience members performing in the talent show leading up to the dreadful act, setting the stage for the audience to figure out what happened.

Shirlock Abler, played by Kyla Cook, will guide the audience members through the interactive investigation with the cast, leading up to the solution of the mysterious murder.

The dinner features a selection of prime rib or Cornish game hen.

"We'd love for the audience to come in cruise wear," Miley said. "Whether that be a flowered shirt of an evening gown. It will add to the entire experience for both the audience and the cast."

Reach the reporter at darrell.breese.@alaskastar.com.

This article published in The Alaska Star on Thursday, February 4, 2010.