Radio noir comedy brings 1940s detective drama; Prelude performance by One Voice

MEDIA RELEASE__Step back into the golden age of radio with Sam Shovel, Private Eye: Tailor Made for Murder, a hilarious and suspenseful radio noir comedy performed live before a studio audience. This tongue-in-cheek homage to 1940s detective dramas promises mystery, mayhem, and plenty of laughs—complete with onstage sound effects, witty wordplay, and vintage flair.

Set in the smoky world of trench coats, dimly lit alleys and dames with dangerous secrets, Tailor Made for Murder follows hard-boiled detective Sam Shovel as she unravels a case stitched together with double-crosses, sharp suits, and a few too many loose threads. But this isn’t just any detective story—it’s radio theatre done the old-fashioned way, with the audience right there in on the fun.

Performances are Nov. 14 and 15 at 7:00 p.m. on the Bluffton MS Cafetorium stage. General admission seating. Tickets available at the door. Adults $5.00 Students $2.00. Doors open 6:00 p.m.

A live radio studio experience
The performance recreates the feel of a 1940s radio broadcast—complete with a live announcer, the haunting saxophone, period-style costumes, commercials, and, of course, a glowing “Applause” sign cueing the audience to join in the showbiz atmosphere.

Meet the Foley artists 
Adding to the excitement are the talented Foley artists, who will be live on stage creating every sound effect right before your eyes. You’ll see—and hear—how everyday objects become the heartbeat of the story: footsteps echoing down a hallway, the strike of a match, a gun cocking, a punch landing, the ring of an old telephone, a scuffle, and even the crunch of cereal at a kitchen table. These sound magicians bring the radio world vividly to life, proving that half the fun of radio theatre is how it all gets made.

Prelude performance by One Voice
As the broadcast begins at 7:00, audiences will be treated to a prelude concert by the vocal ensemble One Voice. This talented six-member group will perform a set of beloved songs written in the 1940s—capturing the romance, rhythm, and charm of the era. Their smooth harmonies and classic arrangements set the perfect mood for an evening of vintage entertainment.

A night of nostalgia and fun
Sam Shovel, Private Eye: Tailor Made for Murder celebrates the golden era of entertainment, where imagination ruled the airwaves. Whether you’re a fan of old-time radio, comedy or live theatre, this production is tailor-made for you!

Cast and crew
Brooklynn Bible, Calliope Buckell, Toby Clevidence, Gabe Foster, Katie Gallant, Ellie Hartzler, Zaeda Hermiller, Daniel Hinojosa, Ethan Hoffman, Ty Huffman, Henry Jordan, Laney Kiene, Kate Klinger, Eli Lehman, Elijah Lewis,   Liliana Liberato, Maelee Miller, Makenna Mohr, Alexis Mummert. Brooklyn Nance, Ashlynn Nulton, Claire Phillips, Izzy Recker, Aubrey Rieman, Ella Roby, Lyla Schneck, Tate Steinmetz, Levi Sutkay Jax Ewing, Roselove Jebsen

Creative talent: Daniel Creeger ’23
Directed by Kevin Gratz
Assisted by Aubrey Rieman
Technical director: Jason Yost