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Murder at the Grand Gatsby Speakeasy

It’s the height of Prohibition in 1920s Chicago, and there’s a mob war brewing between the South Side Gangsters and the Northern Chicago Mob Outfit. The two ruthless crime leaders Hal Sapone and Beanie O’Dannon have finally reached an agreement on bootlegging practices in Chicago and have decided to pull together resources to undergo a collaborative effort with criminal endeavors.

On the surface, this strategy seems similar to bailing out a sinking ship with tin cups, nevertheless.

 Recently, gangsters from the north and south have been spotted together at various speakeasies throughout Chicago, but the tension in the air is always thick enough to be cut with a knife. However, this newfound relationship between the opposing mob bosses has served, thus far, to inhibit gratuitous bloodshed as in the past. Part of the success of this truce is that both crime bosses have found new dames, thereby intertwining more mutual relationships between the two factions.  

The two gangs have set an official date to meet at Hal Sapone’s Grand Gatsby Speakeasy to resolve all remaining differences.  Will these two underground organizations resolve their disputes or will a massive melee erupt, rekindling the fatal flames between them? 

This is where your story begins.

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Guest List

 

Zetta Zarbo
Silent Film Star
The stunning Zetta Zarbo is the quintessential ‘20s Hollywood silent film star.  She is gracious and charming on the big screen, and in real life she’s a live wire. As a celebrity, she’s no stranger to blackmailers and deceivers but she hopes her personal life will take a turn, as she’s recently become the doting girlfriend of the notorious mobster, Hal Sapone.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Flapper Dress, long strand of pearls, long dress gloves, fishnet stockings and ‘20s style shoes. A sequined headband with a feather and a feather boa as optional accessories.

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Hal Sapone
Crime Boss | South Side Chicago Gang
Hal Sapone is the infamous organized crime leader of the South Side Gangsters in Chicago. It’s the height of Prohibition and this mobster is one of the leading bootleggers in the United States. Hal is a smooth operator and owns the popular speakeasy, The Grand Gatsby. This menacing lawbreaker is never seen without his faithful right hand man, Tommy ‘Four Guns’ Beagle.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: A fedora and a zoot suit and wing-tipped shoes. A pocket watch on a chain and a plastic Tommy gun as optional accessories.

 

Mona Crawfish
Marathon Dancing Champion
Mona Crawfish is the national marathon dancing champion in the United States.  On the dance floor, nobody can come close to beating her endless supply of energy.  Mona is known for her frenzied personality, but as the new girlfriend of the notorious crime boss known as Beanie O’Dannon - some question if this prior ‘girl next door’ is involved in criminal activity.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Moll suit (gangster girl) fishnet stockings and ‘20s style shoes. A fedora hat and a plastic Tommy gun as optional accessories.

 

Kara Low
Nightclub Singer | Grand Gatsby
This lighthearted flapper is a performer that hits on all sixes at The Grand Gatsby Speakeasy. This dame is a real canary, as a sizeable crowd gathers in the club on a regular basis to hear her sing. She’s an angel by a piano, but if you double cross this doll, she’s likely to turn into a bearcat.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Flapper Dress, long strand of pearls, long dress gloves, fishnet stockings and ‘20s style shoes. A sequined headband with a feather and a feather boa as optional accessories.

 

Beanie O’Dannon
Crime Boss | Northern Chicago Mob Outfit
Beanie O’Dannon is the ruthless leader of the Northern Chicago Mob Outfit.  His organization is known for bootlegging, running protection rackets, and illegal gaming. He is the formidable enemy of Hal Sapone. However, the two outfits have recently agreed to work together in their criminal endeavors. Everyone says this truce won’t last and someone will pull first blood. The only questions are when and who.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: A fedora and a zoot suit and wing-tipped shoes. A pocket watch on a chain and a plastic Tommy gun as optional accessories.

 

Haddie Drinx
Speakeasy Waitress | Grand Gatsby
The emotional Haddie Drinx is a long-time waitress at The Grand Gatsby and best friend of Mona Crawfish.  Haddie dreams of becoming a night club singer and is deeply envious of Kara Low for stealing the vacant lounge singer position from her at Hal’s speakeasy months ago.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Flapper Dress, long strand of pearls, long dress gloves, fishnet stockings and ‘20s style shoes. A cloche hat and a flask secured to the thigh with a garter belt as optional accessories.

 

Tommy ‘Four Guns’ Beagle
Right hand man to Hal Sapone
Tommy ‘Four Guns’ Beagle is the elusive right hand man to Hal Sapone. This gangster is keen on making up rhymes about his victims before he bumps them off.  So, if you hear Tommy Beagle rhyming, start running!
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: A fedora and a zoot suit and wing-tipped shoes. A pocket watch on a chain and a plastic Tommy gun as optional accessories.

 

‘Handsome’ Sam McWarthy
Right hand man to Beanie O’Dannon
Handsome Sam iis the ultimate ladies’ man and right hand man to Beanie O’Dannon. Sam has not always made the appropriate choices of women, however, and this may land him into a sticky situation one day if he is not careful.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: A fedora and a zoot suit and wing-tipped shoes. A pocket watch on a chain and a plastic Tommy gun as optional accessories.

 

Hershey Bar
American Baseball League Outfielder | Jazz Musician
The talented Hershey Bar is a record-breaking American Baseball League outfielder.  He is the brother of Handsome Sam McCarthy and a part time saxophone player at The Grand Gatsby. He is very talented and performs the sax to fulfill his childhood dreams of becoming a Jazz performer.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Any vintage-style baseball uniform. A baseball cap as an optional accessory. OR can wear a wild color zoot suit (yellow, purple) and carry a saxophone (real or fake) as a prop.

 

Wyleen Black
Tabloid Newspaper Reporter
This tabloid newspaper reporter is the most scandalous journalist in the history of Chicago.  It is hard to find a soul in the city who isn’t stressing under the spell of blackmail by Ms. Black.  Wyleen’s nosy and conniving ways will certainly get her into major trouble one day - and it cannot come soon enough for most.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Flapper Dress, long strand of pearls, long dress gloves, fishnet stockings and ‘20s style shoes. A cloche hat and a long cigarette holder with a fake cigarette as optional accessories.

 

Harry Looper
Silent Film Actor
Harry Looper is the long-time best friend of Zetta Zarbo.  These two are preparing for a new silent film, ‘The St. Patrick’s Day Massacre.’  Harry is a sweet and sensitive man who would never hurt a flea. Unfortunately for Harry, Hal Sapone is quickly growing tired of Harry and Zetta’s friendship and so he should watch his back if he continues to be Zetta’s best friend.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: A fedora, 2 piece suit with matching vest and bow tie.

 

Jazzy Fringe
Night Club Singer | The Two Aces
The egotistical Jazzy Fringe is a regular performer at Beanie O’Dannon’s club, The Two Aces. However, this club is not nearly as popular as Hal Sapone's Grand Gatsby - so Jazzy’s openly been after Kara Low’s job at Hal’s speakeasy. Jazzy Fringe will stop at nothing to get what she wants.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Flapper Dress, long strand of pearls, long dress gloves, fishnet stockings and ‘20s style shoes. A cloche hat and a long cigarette holder with a fake cigarette as optional accessories.

 

Chuck Limberger
American Pilot
Chuck Limberger is the loveable but airheaded American pilot and brother to Mona Crawfish. He is planning to fly a solo non-stop Trans-Atlantic mission, but is being delayed by the skeptics around him. This determined alcohol-loving pilot will try anything to show that he can take his metal wings to the skies.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Any vintage aviator outfit – leather bomber jacket, leather flight helmet, knee high boots. Goggles and a scarf as optional accessories.

 

Marlie Maplin
Silent Film Star | Mime
Marlie Maplin is the greatest comedic mime of all times.  He is the best silent film comedy star in Hollywood, and everyone loves to be around him as he constantly performs humorous mimes. Just don’t get on his bad side, as his mime-mockery sessions can be brutal.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: White shirt, black suspenders, oversized pants and a derby hat.

 

Fay Stingray
American Novelist
Fay Stingray is peculiar and quite conservative flapper girl. Working diligently on a new novel, she has been relentless with her research on the rival mobster gangs in Chicago. It is impossible to determine what this writer is thinking, as she lingers in the shadows to soak in the scene around her.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Flapper Dress, long strand of pearls, long dress gloves, fishnet stockings and ‘20s style shoes. A sequined headband with a feather and flask secured to the thigh with a garter belt as optional accessories.

 

Billie Baird
Gun Moll | Northern Chicago Mob Outfit
Billie Baird is the ruthless girlfriend of Baby Face O’Toole of the Northern Chicago Mob Outfit.  She will stop at nothing to get what she wants and will stand by her man and the Northern Chicago Mob Outfit at all cost.  This is one gun-toting diva to stay clear of.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Gun moll outfit. A fake gun as an optional prop.

 

Baby Face O’Toole
Mobster | Northern Chicago Mob Outfit
Baby Face O’Toole is a loyal and dedicated mobster from the Northern Chicago Mob Outfit. He is one of the most unpredictable gangsters from the northern side and his intolerance is legendary.  He is quick to put an end a fight…but it’s usually with his trusty Tommy Gun.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: A fedora and a zoot suit and wing-tipped shoes. A pocket watch on a chain and a plastic Tommy gun as optional accessories.

 

Gloria Valentino
Upcoming Silent Film Star
Gloria Valentino is a beautiful and talented upcoming silent film star.  She’s just breaking the surface of the Hollywood scene and proclaims that her only true inspiration is Zetta Zarbo.  Gloria just finished filming a bit part in her first silent film and is desperately awaiting her turn at becoming one of Hollywood’s rich and famous.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Flapper Dress, long strand of pearls, long dress gloves, fishnet stockings and ‘20s style shoes. A sequined headband with a feather and a feather boa as optional accessories.

 

Bud Johnson

Vaudeville Entertainer

The ostentatious performer - Bud Johnson - is popularly known as ‘America’s Entertainer.’ Originally from Lithuania, he moved to the States and got his break in Vaudeville as a comedian and singer at New York City’s Palace Theater. As of the turn of the decade, Bud's the most famous and highest paid entertainer in America.

COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: A fedora and a zoot suit and wing-tipped shoes. A pocket watch on a chain. Any type of props for a ‘prop comedy’ act (i.e. rubber chicken, etc.) are optional accessories.

 

Chanel Cocoa
French Fashion Designer
From a poor orphan learning to sew by hand to opening a meager raincoat store and then off to the bright lights of the Paris runways, Chanel Cocoa has definitely made her mark in fashion history.   This ultra-reserved icon of style has one of the most remarkable rags to riches success stories ever known!
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Very trendy flapper dress, long strand of pearls, long dress gloves, fishnet stockings and ‘20s style shoes. A sequined headband with a feather and a feather boa as optional accessories.

 

Georgie O’Keith
American Artist
Georgie O’Keith is the humble yet talented watercolorist that has the rich, powerful and famous scampering for her latest creations. Known for her awe-inspiring abstract paintings of nature, Georgie is one of the sweetest dames you will ever meet. She is ultra-conservative and demure and has an ever-lasting ear to lend to her dearest friends.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Conservative flapper dress, long strand of pearls, long dress gloves, fishnet stockings and ‘20s style shoes. A cloche hat as an optional accessory.

 

Rudolf Valencio
Italian Actor | Pop Icon
Known by his nickname ‘The Italian Lover’, Rudolf Valencio is one of the biggest heart breakers on the silent big screen.  He is the epitome of romance and mere catnip to the American woman.  He’s slightly notorious for creating scandals and being difficult to work with on the movie sets, but on a personal level, he is the ultra-charismatic gentleman.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS:Hair slicked back with pomade. A smoking jacket with a collared shirt and scarf.  A long, filtered cigarette (or pipe) as an optional prop.

 

Jackie ‘The Legs’ Emerald
Mobster | South Side Chicago Gang
Jackie Emerald, or more commonly known as ‘The Legs’, is known for his ostentatious lifestyle.  He’s nicknamed ‘The Legs’ because he’s the fastest runner on the mob scene and this skill has helped him evade many attempts on his life by his foes from the North. Jackie’s loyalties are often in question but at least on the surface, he is one of the South Side mobsters.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: A fedora and a zoot suit and wing-tipped shoes.  A pocket watch on a chain and a plastic Tommy gun as optional accessories.

 

Virginia Mountain
Gun Moll | Northern Chicago Mob Outfit
Virginia is the cold, callous gun moll who is known to run with the gangsters of the Northern Chicago Mob Outfit. Her motto is ‘take no prisoners’ and if there is trouble between the two sides of town, she’s always at the heart of it. Some say that her loyalty to Beanie O’Dannon should be in question as there have been late night sightings of her over in the southern section of town.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Gun moll outfit. A fake gun as an optional prop.

 

Aggie Christy
British Crime Novelist
Aggie Christy is the upcoming crime novelist from the UK. A nurse during WWI, she turned to writing fiction at the early age of nineteen. Her first novels and short stories received raving reviews from critics so Aggie settled on continuing her writing career while living in the United States. Aggie doesn’t trust men one bit, however, as her last two rocky marriages have gone awry.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Trendy flapper dress, long strand of pearls, long dress gloves, fishnet stockings and ‘20s style shoes. A sequined headband with a feather and a feather boa as optional accessories.

 

Sophia Alfani
Italian Actress | Pop Icon
Known by her nickname ‘The Femme Fatale’, Sophia Alfani is one of the biggest icons on the silent big screen.  She is the embodiment of poise and beauty.  Unfortunately, she is known for being a tyrant on film sets and her costars often complain about having to work with her.  However, those who know her best think she is charming. 
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Trendy flapper dress, long strand of pearls, long dress gloves, fishnet stockings and ‘20s style shoes.  A sequined headband with a feather and a feather boa as optional accessories.

 

Ducky Shultz
Mobster | South Side Chicago Gang
Ducky Shultz is the hands down, number one rum runner for the South Side Chicago Gang and loyal follower of Hal Sapone.  Ducky is the nephew of Hal Sapone and will do anything for his New York mobsters.  Ducky’s loyalty seems to be unsurpassed and unbreakable.  COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: A fedora and a zoot suit and wing-tipped shoes.  A pocket watch on a chain and a plastic Tommy gun as optional accessories.

 

Buster Keeden
Silent Film Actor
Nicknamed ‘The Face of Stone,’ Buster Keeden is an American comedian, silent film actor and Vaudeville icon.  This former Kansas resident has his hands in multiple arenas in the entertainment industry and has resided coast to coast during his illustrious career.  This silent film legend recently moved to Chicago to spend time with his bedridden great grandfather.  One day, he plans to journey back to Hollywood to get on the other side of the cameras.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS:A fedora and a zoot suit and wing-tipped shoes.  A pocket watch on a chain.

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Colette Moore 
Silent Film Star 
Colette is the trend-starting silent film star who has been credited with starting the famous bob hairstyle. Introduced to Hollywood at an early age, she has landed many roles as a heroine in Western films. However, Colette fashions herself as a comic, so she hopes to move on in her career to comedy flicks.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS:  Trendy flapper dress, long strand of pearls, long dress gloves, fishnet stockings and ‘20s style shoes.  A sequined headband with a feather and a feather boa as optional accessories.

 

Lee Lee Brooks 
Silent Film Star 
One of the top flappers in the country, Lee Lee has starred in over fifteen films, but is best known for her leading role in the film Little Miss Lost Girl. The daughter of a lawyer, Lee Lee has never wanted for anything besides love. With an overworked father, and a mother who cared more about her career as a painter, Lee Lee craves attention.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS:  Trendy flapper dress, long strand of pearls, long dress gloves, fishnet stockings and ‘20s style shoes.  A sequined headband with a feather and a feather boa as optional accessories.

 

Joann Crawford 
Silent Film Star  
Joann is a tenacious silent film actress that kick started her career three years ago with the film Guiltless Eyes where she played the role of a downtrodden showgirl.  Since her debut, Joann has risen to become one of Hollywood’s most famous faces.   Rumor has it that Joann has a huge problem with holding grudges, so don’t cross this starlet if you don’t want her to get revenge. COSTUME SUGGESTIONS:  Trendy flapper dress, long strand of pearls, long dress gloves, fishnet stockings and ‘20s style shoes.  A sequined headband with a feather and a feather boa as optional accessories.

 

Gary Swansong 
Silent Film Star 
Dripping in charisma, Gary Swansong is a prominent star in Hollywood. Gary was born in Chicago and still calls the windy city his home. By accident, Gary became a star when his aunt brought him to a film studio for fun. From that day forth, his career has snowballed into what he is today. 
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS:  A fedora and a zoot suit and wing-tipped shoes.  A pocket watch on a chain.

 

Jolie Baker 
Vaudeville Entertainer 
Born in Missouri to a vaudeville performer and washerwoman, Jolie always knew she wanted her feet to hit the stage and to feel the warmth of the big lights on her skin. After taking Europe by storm as a teen in a variety show, this dancer is back in the United States starring in one of the top traveling vaudeville shows. An energetic performer, Jolie now wishes to leave the theater and hit the big screen. 
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS:  Glamorous flapper dress, long strand of pearls, diamond costume jewelry, long dress gloves, fishnet stockings and ‘20s style shoes.  A sequined headband with a feather and a feather boa as optional accessories.

 

Dorothy Kray 
Personal Assistant to Zetta Zarbo 
Against her family’s wishes, Dorothy set out for New York City to pursue a career in dancing and film. With a thick southern accent and two left feet, she quickly realized she wasn’t fit for Broadway stages. In despair, Dorothy hitch-hiked her way to the west coast where she accidentally stumbled across Zetta Zarbo at the market. They became fast friends and now, Dorothy is Zetta’s confidante and personal assistant. 
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS:  Glamorous flapper dress, long strand of pearls, diamond costume jewelry, long dress gloves, fishnet stockings and ‘20s style shoes.  A sequined headband with a feather and a feather boa as optional accessories.

 

Polo Netra 
Poet 
Originally from Poland, Polo Netra is a rising star in the literary world.  Originally a free-lance journalist, Polo’s talents were discovered by a Polish talent agent who eventually funded his relocation to America with his fiancé.  Polo was commissioned by The Chicago Press to publish a series of illustrated volumes of poetry.  
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS:  A quirky fedora and a zoot suit and wing-tipped shoes.  A pocket watch on a chain and a plastic Tommy gun as optional accessories.

 

Lenny Barnes 
Mobster | South Side Chicago Gang 
Lenny Barnes would rather put ten bullet holes in your chest than ask you to move out of his way. He is pitiless and cold-blooded, but unassuming. For that reason, he is a secret weapon of the South Side Chicago Gang. Another ace up his sleeve is that his uncle is the managing editor of the Chicago Examiner, which is responsible for swaying public opinions about mobster activity in the city. 
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS:  A fedora and a zoot suit and wing-tipped shoes.  A pocket watch on a chain and a plastic Tommy gun as optional accessories.

 

Mabel Moray 
Silent Film Star 
Known as the dame with the bee-stung lips, Mabel’s characteristic pout is legendary. Mabel was an integral part of the chorus line of Ziggie’s Follies on Broadway, but left the stages of New York City for the motion picture industry.   Mae reached supreme stardom in the earlier part of the decade, but has been experiencing a period of decline in the spotlight with her refusal to star in talkie films.  
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS:  Glamorous flapper dress, long strand of pearls, diamond costume jewelry, long dress gloves, fishnet stockings and ‘20s style shoes.  A sequined headband with a feather and a feather boa as optional accessories.

 

Doris Hillman 
Aspiring Silent Film Star 
Doris Hillman is new to Hollywood after many years of working as a vaudeville dancer and juggler. Doris was selected to be one of the MPA (Motion Picture Association) Silent Stars, which is an annual honor bestowed upon fifteen young stars who are believed to be on the brink of stardom. However, don’t hold your breath on this dame making it big, as she is notoriously difficult to be around.    
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS:  Glamorous flapper dress, long strand of pearls, diamond costume jewelry, long dress gloves, fishnet stockings and ‘20s style shoes.  A sequined headband with a feather and a feather boa as optional accessories.

 

Marion Pickford 
Co-Founder of the Academy of Motion Pictures 
Marion Pickford is a former silent film star who focuses his time on the creation of a professional honorary society with a goal of advancing the arts and sciences of motion pictures. He’s been working with the head of Mega-Golden Mayer film studio to create the Academy of Motion Pictures as an organization that will not only settle labor disputes, but also honor those in the industry with annual awards.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS:  A fedora and a zoot suit and wing-tipped shoes.  A pocket watch on a chain.

 

Andy Paige 
Jazz Singer 
Andy Paige is a former Broadway performer who moved to Chicago to take care of his ailing grandmother. Andy is currently seeking employment as a lounge performer in the Windy City, but hasn’t been lucky enough to land a job – even with his Broadway fame.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS:  Quirky fedora and a zoot suit and wing-tipped shoes.  A pocket watch on a chain.

 

Magbee Meade 
Cultural Anthropologist 
Magbee is a distinguished academic who has worked diligently to popularize the perceptions of cultural anthropology in Western culture. Magbee is sometimes controversial and is currently on his third marriage. A brave soul, he is now in Chicago to study the moralities and insights of mobster organizations.  
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS:  Quirky fedora and a zoot suit and wing-tipped shoes.  A pocket watch on a chain.

 

Flora Satin 
Medical Scientist 
A pioneer for women in science, Flora Satin has done her part to change the face of science. Noted as the first woman to become a professor at the esteemed Jonas Hopkins School of Medicine, she was also the first female to be elected to the National Conservatory of Science. Flora’s perseverance, aptitude, and diligence in the laboratory are legendary.  
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS:  Conservative flapper dress, long strand of pearls, long dress gloves, fishnet stockings and ‘20s style shoes.  A cloche hat as an optional accessory.

 

Alicia Paul 
Suffragist  
Alicia Paul is a notable American suffragist and women’s rights activist. She has led the campaign for the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which prohibits gender discrimination and gave women the right to vote. Alicia Paul has also formed the Woman’s National Party, an outgrowth of the Congressional Union, which has continued the fight for women’s rights.  
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS:  Conservative flapper dress, long strand of pearls, long dress gloves, fishnet stockings and ‘20s style shoes.  A cloche hat as an optional accessory.

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