ONLINE EVENT Registration opens Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. (EST)

Set in 1940s New York City – “ONCE UPON A CRIME” is an homage and tongue-in-cheek parody to the gritty black-and-white film noir crime dramas of the past, featuring snappy, fast-paced dialogue, intrigue and melodrama, peppered with some comedic performances and chock full of twists and turns. It tells the story of jaded private detective who is hired by an alluring femme fatale who suffers from amnesia and is engaged to arrogant socialite, whom she doesn’t completely trust. Her fiancé’s diabolical master plan nearly comes to fruition but not before a number of suspicious events take place at a secluded mansion over the course of the reading of an eccentric billionaire’s last will and testament. Throw in an impromptu séance where spirits of the deceased are summoned and things from there start to unravel and go sideways. Several suspects emerge but who really had the means, motive and opportunity to murder this billionaire? Only after a last-minute wedding ceremony and a final showdown will life-changing revelations come to light.

“ONCE UPON A CRIME” is the fifth in a series of original seasonal online productions written by award-winning Hamilton-born Screenwriter/Director Doug MacDougall who is no stranger to the world of film and theatre as both actor/artist in a variety of film and TV series and Music/Stage Director in numerous regional theatre productions in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) over the last 30 years.

Friends, family and film enthusiasts alike will enjoy this film parody and hilarious new take on the murder mystery genre in authentic film noir style. Come out and see if you can figure out whodunit in “ONCE UPON A CRIMEthis Christmas season.

ONLINE EVENT REGISTRATION begins Sunday, December 1 at 4:00 p.m. (EST) via ZOOM Event Registration. Only those who receive a unique registration code by email from ZOOM Event Registration will be allowed into this event. Keep it in a safe place! Space is limited to 100 participants per viewing. Register EARLY to avoid disappointment!

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SELECT an EVENING or MATINÉE Performance below

Starting Sunday, December 1, 2024, registration LINKS BELOW to each performance will go LIVE at 4:00 p.m. (EST) .

EVENING Performances at 7:30 p.m. (EST)

Select this date – click Friday, December 13 (Opening) followed by virtual Meet ‘n Greet

Select this date – click Saturday, December 14

Select this date – click Friday, December 20

Select this date – click Saturday, December 21

Select this date – click Friday, December 27

Select this date – click Saturday, December 28

MATINÉE Performances at 2:00 p.m. (EST)

Select this date – click Sunday, December 15

Select this date – click Sunday, December 22

N.B. ADDITIONAL SCREENINGS may become available based on DEMAND.

N.B. Doors open 15 minutes prior to performance.

There will be a ten (10) minute intermission. Approximate Running Time: 2 hours 15 minutes.

*If you want to visit with the Cast and Artistic Team after the show, we will be hosting a virtual Meet ‘n Greet right after the Friday, December 13 première!

Hope to see many of you there! Come on out and support not only the Arts but also a worthwhile Christmas charity fundraiser!