The Paragon Blackout

File #IL-2017-1118 · Chicago, Illinois

A leading lady killed by a falling lighting pipe during the Act II blackout. The rigging crew was on break. Someone wasn't.

Difficulty: MEDIUM · Play time: 25–35 MIN · 1–2 players, in the browser.

The suspects

• Theo Marsh, 29 — Understudy & Ensemble. Motive: Hale was cutting him after closing — her death hands him the lead
• Rosa Quint, 47 — Stage Manager & Co-Producer. Motive: $2M key-person insurance to her debt-ridden production company
• Declan Fry, 41 — Head Flyman. Motive: Hale's complaint got him suspended after a failed inspection

The evidence

• EXHIBIT A: Rope Lock Thrown — Line set 14's lock open, safety ring off, eight counterweight bricks stacked on the gallery floor.
• LAB: Greasepaint on the Bricks — Stage makeup smeared on the bricks and lock handle — shade matched to Marsh's kit.
• EXHIBIT B: Torn Cape Fibers — Burgundy wool on a burr at the top of the gallery stairs — from Marsh's Act II cape.
• EXHIBIT C: Fly Gallery Door — Marsh's badge opened the gallery stairwell at 9:06 PM — during the crew break.
• WITNESS 1: The Dresser — 'His room was empty at 9:08. He came back at 9:14 — out of breath, cape torn.'
• EXHIBIT D: Text to His Agent — 8:41 PM: 'After tonight, start sending me lead contracts.'
• EXHIBIT E: The Fallen Pipe — 540 lb of pipe and lights dropped 38 ft. An out-of-balance run — no cable failure.
• FINANCIAL: Key-Person Policy — $2M on Hale's life, payable to Quint's production company — $900K in debt.

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