The Challenge...
The Union League in Philadelphia wished to hold a Titanic themed murder mystery for their members, however, their space presented challenges. Due to the number of guests anticipated, their banquet space would need to be in two different rooms. Additionally, they were eager to use their cocktail hour space and hall connecting all of the rooms as part of the performance space.
Our Solution...
We proposed a custom designed murder mystery that would be part staged show, part scavenger hunt. During the cocktail hour the actors were to mingle with the guests in the library, spreading out throughout the space to engage the audience. We suggested we use the hall area to scatter clues (diary pages, newspaper clippings, and photos) that the guests would be free to pick up. During the meal portion of the event, the actors performed scenes in the banquet rooms: HOWEVER, since it was two different spaces, different scenes were enacted. Each room viewed a different show at that point, but received all of the same clues. Finally, we suggested using the library again for the crime scene, in which our murder victim would be found by the guests after dinner. All of this would result in maximum interaction while also providing the staged portion of the show they were looking for. Our team produced:
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A full murder mystery script performed as informal scenes during cocktail hour and staged scenes during the meal.
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Six professional actors in custom designed costumes.
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An assortment of clues scattered throughout the event area for the guests to find during cocktail hour.
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A step and repeat photo station and photographer to take photos of the guests as they "boarded."
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Lighting design throughout the event space.
The Result...
On a rainy evening in April, guests decked in tuxedoes and evening gowns ascended the steps to board the Titanic. After having their picture taken on the "deck," (which they later received via the client), they were greeted by Ruth, the American "Lady Reporter." She was on a mission to write a front page story about her voyage, and had a hot lead she was following. As the guests proceeded to the library, they discovered scattered clues and likely saw an altercation between the Titanic's pastry chef and a stowaway.
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Over cocktails in the library, the guests were regaled with stories by some of the other first class passengers, such as a wealthy businessman from London and a famous actress from New York City. As glasses clinked and the laughter rose, the time drew near for everyone to adjourn to the dining room for supper.
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Once assembled in the dining room, a fellow passenger conducted a toast. Of course, the celebration was interrupted by accusations and heated conversations - this was a murder mystery, after all. Once things had quieted down, the guests enjoyed their meal. Shortly after dessert, a scream was heard coming from the hall, followed by a terrified, "He's been murdered!"
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The guests rushed down the hall to the library, where they found the crime scene: the stowaway, slumped on a couch, apparently shot! After questioning the suspects the guests were called back together to use their deductive skills to determine who the killer was.