RUMFORD — The Rumford Association for the Advancement of the Performing Arts is planning a mystery dinner theater this Spring with an intriguing show entitled “The Conundrum on the Crackerjack Cruise,” a who-done-it mystery aboard a luxury cruise liner. As guests set sail on their floating palace to the Bahamas, they are introduced to some unique and amusing characters.

Then, after a fabulous evening of drama, interaction and laughter, one of these passengers resorts to crime. Who did it? How did he or she do it? And why?

As with past productions, the audience will help solve the mystery through interviewing suspects and voting for who they believe is the guilty party.

 This adventurous, comical production will be directed by RAAPA veteran Connie Venskus  of Rumford. Shirli Allen of Norway, returns as director of the RAPPA chorus, which again will play an integral part in the production, performing a series of great musical numbers on board the ship.

RAAPA is holding auditions for the play on Tuesday, Jan. 24, from 6:15 – 7:45 p.m. at the Rumford Public Library. All enthusiastic actors in the area are encouraged to try out for one of 10 roles (six female, four male). Scripts will be available for perusal at the Rumford Public Library through Jan. 23. Those who cannot attend the audition may contact Connie Venskus for a private audition by calling 357-5300. Those interested in joining the chorus, please contact Shirli Allen @ 743-7047 to reserve a music folder.

 Here are the roles that are available:

Cruise staff

Randall Whitfield: The captain of the ship who has no real desire to “meet and greet”

Lyndell Whitfield: The chief of security and Randall’s twin brother (played by same actor)

Loralee LeVeque: An enthusiastic and friendly cruise director

Sasha: Loralee’s assistant who feels unappreciated.

Nigel: The head stateroom steward for VIP guests

 Ship guests

Evita Wexler: A wealthy widow who lost her husband, Jim Wexler, about 5 years ago

Tiffany Wexler: Evita’s granddaughter expecting a lot of inheritance

Margery Yake: The winner of the Cracker Jack contest

Paul Yake: A cynical but witty man who is married to Margery

Jack Silverman: He is a professional safe-cracker; his nickname is “Cracker Jack”

Jill Silverman: A very intelligent young woman who married Jack one year ago

 Rehearsals for both the chorus and actors begin on Tuesday, Feb. 7, at the Mexico Congregational Church (the “green” church) @ 6 p.m. for actors and 7 p.m. for chorus members. Performance dates are Friday, April 28, and Saturday, April 29, at the Eagles hall in Rumford.