The Arena Stage is holding their 14th Annual Benefit production of the The Pundit Whodunit: The Case of the Political Puzzle tonight at 8:30 p.m. at the Kreeger Theater. If you’ve got an extra $200 to $400 lying around, you too can be seated front and center for a one night only performance of local playwright and director Harry M. Bagdasian’s comedic murder mystery, starring prominent members of Congress and the media. Members of the cast include Senators Jack Reed, Ted Stevens and Pat Roberts, Representatives Jesse Jackson, Jr., Jim Kolbe, and Howard Coble, D.C.’s Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, NPR’s Nina Totenberg, George Stephanopoulos, Chris Matthews, Fred Barnes, Cokie Roberts and Kojo Nnamdi, just to name a few.

DCist will be there tonight to bring you all the relevant coverage and answer the important questions. Questions like, can George Stephanopoulos actually fit inside Cokie Roberts’ handbag? Will Chris Matthews hit on Alexandra Wentworth in an inappropriately angry manner? And is this event serious enough for Sen. Stevens to break out his Incredible Hulk necktie?

Of course the entire evening is for a worthy cause (proceeds go toward Arena’s educational programs for young people in the community), thus the willingness of such normally buttoned-up members of the D.C. elite to participate. Also scheduled to attend and receive awards are Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii in recognition of his support of American arts and culture, Mayor Anthony Williams for his specific support of Arena Stage, and late playwright August Wilson will be named the first recipient of the American Artist Award. It may not be as glamorous as Oscar night, but for the District, this is pretty darn close. For information on tickets, call (202) 554-9066, ext. 266.