Wilmington, NC 10 - Much Ado About Murder

from what we know. And as more and more old books and records are digitalized, we may very well find proof of such an assertion.”
    “Perhaps you aren’t aware, Ray,” Aunt Ruby interjected, “you being from New York and all, but the Thalian Association is the Official Community Theater of North Carolina by an act of the General Assembly.”
    “No, I didn’t know that. Does that mean it is the oldest theatrical group in the state?”
    Binkie answered, “It does. An association of actors was organized here in 1788 or before. One of the founders was Dalton’s ancestor. To put that date into perspective, that is the same year delegates met in Hillsborough to debate whether to ratify the U.S. Constitution. They could not agree and North Carolina remained out of the Union until a Bill of Rights was incorporated into the Constitution. That will give you some historical perspective.”
    Dalton said, “My fifth great-grandfather was one of the founders of the Thalian Association.”
    Melanie chimed in, “He built the house Ashley and Jon have just bought from Dalton. That house is a historical treasure.”
    “We can’t wait to see it,” Scarlett said.
    “Come anytime, Scarlett,” Dalton invited. “I’ll be happy to show you around. You too, Ray. Although I can’t make it up the stairs any longer. My hip, you know.”
    “Too bad women weren’t allowed on stage in the early days of your theater group,” Scarlett said. “Men played the roles of women. I hear some of them were very good at it.”
    Aunt Ruby chimed in, “And two hundred years later we’re still fighting for women’s rights and gay rights.”
    “Yes, my dear,” Binkie said. Then to Dalton, he said, “Do you remember how we used to hang around the USO when we were kids and watch the soldiers congregate there?”
    Dalton smiled. “I do. I remember how much I wanted a uniform.”
    “I loved the music that flowed out of the USO. Made me want to dance. And I was just a kid.” Binkie laughed.
    “Remember? We used to hear Hannah Block herself play the piano. After I heard her play, my mother didn’t have to push my piano lessons. I was eager to learn.”
    “Is that how the Community Arts Center got its name?” Scarlett asked. “The City named the building for the woman who played the piano?”
    “Quite true, Scarlett,” Binkie said. “In 2006 the building was named for Hannah Block. Then two years later, restorations were completed. The lobby was restored to its 1943 appearance.”
    Two waiters approached our table and quickly set plates before us. Platters of the Tapas offerings were set down the middle of the table. There was a selection of cheeses and a variety of bruschetta. Sate of Thai chicken, Thai beef, Miso Shrimp, and Sesame Tuna. There were marinated vegetables and a Charcuterie of cold cuts.
    “Oh, this looks divine,” Melanie said. We busily passed plates, helping ourselves and each other. And then contentment set in.
    Dalton seemed to be in a mellow mood. “Say Binkie , do you remember that actor we had to get out of jail?”
    Binkie plunked down his napkin. “Do I? I’ll never forget that experience. We had to go before the judge.”
    “What are you talking about?” I asked.
    Dalton answered, “Simon’s little charade the other day made me think of it. The play was The Mousetrap . The actor was a talented young man. As talented as they come. But bi-polar, as I suspect Simon is. Well, he went off his meds and kind of went berserk. Threatening people, stuff like that, until the cops were called. He got into a fight with them and they locked him up.”
    Binkie interjected, “And the next night was opening night.” He looked around at all of us, beaming. “Dalton and I had to go down to the courthouse and vouch for this fellow. The judge looked down at us from his bench and told us sternly that he was holding us responsible if anything happened. I’ll never forget that experience.”
    Dalton said, “But the show went on without a hitch. Oh, what we do for the theater! Oh, and Binkie do you remember the one about the pair of ducks?”
    Binkie started to laugh and couldn’t stop. I’ve never seen him laugh so hard.
    “Tell us,” Cam said. “What about ducks?”
    Binkie shook his head. “The Thalian Association was presenting The Pirates of Penzance . It was the last night. Well, the chorus was singing along with the character Ruth the lines, ‘A Paradox, a paradox, a most ingenious paradox.’ A couple