By Heather Hagedorn
Historical Society Executive Director
The Geary County Historical Society has wrapped up their fourth annual murder mystery event with two weekends of SMOOCH: a 1980s Murder Mystery, which was written and directed by Museum Director Heather Hagedorn and Museum Program Director Kim Neptune.
Each night of the event asked the audience to help solve the murder of "Jonny Bonny" the lead singer of the one-hit wonder band "SMOOCH." To do so, guests were provided evidence related to the crime and given the opportunity to "interrogate" the suspects of this 1980s mall-themed murder mystery. Cast members included: Dan Horton as Jonny Bonny, Andrew Liebau as Jean Simons, Dave Kappel as Nicci Sevven, Caity Marquez as Krystal Sentz, Jack Lutynski as Alex 'Axel' Tulip, Susan Kamphaus as Zippy Walker, Scott 'Moose' Jury as the Mall Santa, Karren Kilpatrick as Debbie Julius, Bill Powers as Crazy Carl, Curtis Gray as DJ Chippy Chase, and Heather Strafuss as Detective 'Foxxy' Roxie Malone.
Along with the interactive murder mystery, guests had their classic 80s department store photos taken and enjoyed a "food court" dinner of pizza and a salad bar. Sponsors for the event included: Geary County CVB, Twin Valley, Pizza Hut, and Affordable Portables. Costume assistance was provided by the Junction City Little Theater. All proceeds from this event benefited the Geary County Historical Society. Another historic mystery will be heading to Junction City in early 2027.
