A murder mystery at Hilarities in Cleveland is drawing criticism from one of the city’s well-known comedians.

Deena Nyer Mendlowitz has been performing in Northeast Ohio for more than two decades, using her comedy to destigmatize mental illness.

“I've lived with suicidal thoughts for the majority of my life,” she said. “It's something called chronic suicidal ideation. I also live with depression and anxiety.”

She hosts a live comedy talk show, “Mental Illness and Friends,” which was recently at the BorderLight Theatre Festival. She’s also performed many times at Hilarities. When the club, which draws national talent to its stages Downtown, announced a run this fall of “ Psych Ward Whackers ,” she immediately contacted organizers to offer script notes and other assistance from the vie

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