Theater Night 2026: A Stellar Evening of Mystery and Community Support

Our annual Kiwanis Theater Night on Wednesday, January 29th proved to be another remarkable success, bringing together theater enthusiasts and community supporters for Agatha Christie’s compelling mystery “Go Back for Murder” at the Long Beach Playhouse Mainstage Theater.

A Night of Double Celebration

The evening held special significance as it coincided with President Myra Kremen’s birthday, adding an extra layer of celebration to our annual fundraiser. Despite the personal milestone, Myra graciously focused her pre-show remarks on the event’s true purpose: supporting our club’s vital community service programs.

Outstanding Community Support

The turnout was exceptional, with several groups purchasing ten or more tickets, demonstrating the strong community support for our mission. We were thrilled to welcome the Southgate Retirees (who make our recognition list every year), the Downtown Long Beach Lions, the Funsters and Young at Heart Bowling Leagues from Cowboys, the Fairfield YMCA, and our fellow service club, the Kiwanis Club of Downey.

Supporting Our Mission

President Myra eloquently explained why this fundraiser matters so much to our club. The proceeds directly support our middle school awards program for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, three high school senior scholarships, monthly meals at Lydia House, our fall backpack drive initiated by Tony Diaz, and our holiday family adoption program complete with toys and gift cards.

Silent Auction and Intermission Treats

The silent auction ran throughout the evening until intermission, with Alba managing the competitive bidding process. During intermission, guests enjoyed coffee and an array of homemade desserts prepared by generous club members and supporters, adding a personal touch to the theatrical experience.

A Christie Mystery to Remember

“Go Back for Murder” provided the perfect backdrop for our fundraising efforts, with its ingenious plot about Carla Crale’s quest to clear her mother’s name in a decades-old murder case. The play’s exploration of how time, prejudice, and perception warp our understanding of truth resonated beautifully with the evening’s theme of community support and justice.

This annual event once again demonstrated that our Theater Night is much more than entertainment – it’s a vital fundraising effort that enables our club to continue serving youth and families throughout our community while bringing people together for an unforgettable evening of mystery and fellowship.