The year is 1939 and Babbitt Riordan is about to launch his latest business venture, Flagstaff’s own radio station KBAB. Rehearsals are in progress for a live radio program, The Flagstaff Mystery Hour, starring a Hollywood heartthrob as the detective, an intrepid guardian of the law.
The audience is gathered. The actors are marking up their scripts. The sound effects are in place. Everything is ready for the first installment of the show until a body hits the floor. And now, everyone is a suspect!
Such is the setting for this month’s Murder Mystery Dinner Theater at the Weatherford Hotel. Death on the Radio begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 10 in Charly’s Pub. Writer and director Mary Guaraldi of Canyon Moon Theatre has been creating murder mysteries for the past 14 years.
“I’ve been in theatre since I was five years old,” she said. “Who knew that doing murder mysteries would be one of the great pleasures of my life in theater! I love to make people laugh and enjoy seeing people let loose and be part of the fun!”
The Weatherford Hotel Murder Mystery Dinner Theater is interactive. Those who come to be entertained may well find themselves involved in the performance, as the audience is encouraged to participate in solving the crime.
“The Weatherford Hotel is the ultimate place to have a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater! It’s been my experience that the guests who attend love to dress up in the era of the performance,” said Events Coordinator Klaudia Ness. “What makes it unique is how select attendees are secretly written into the script, and it makes it even more fun! Not to mention the food is amazing. Canyon Moon Theatre writes the scripts specifically for the Weatherford Hotel, and a lot goes in to the production behind the scenes.”
This interactive Murder Mystery Dinner includes the performance and a four-course meal complete with dessert. Invitations are $50 per person. Drinks, taxes and gratuity not included. Death on the Radio is set in 1939 and guests are encouraged to dress for the style of the day.
“Despite being overshadowed by the Great Depression, style was sophisticated and glamorous, featuring slim pencil dresses for women and fancy suits complete with fedoras for men,” said Ness.
Because of the popularity of the Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, the Weatherford Hotel plans to host a performance every quarter.
“The Murder Mysteries are perfect for that private event twist, as well,” added Ness. FBN
By Henry Taylor and Sam Green
For reservations or more information, contact Ness at 928-779-1919, ext. 430.
The Weatherford Hotel is located at 23 N. Leroux, Flagstaff. This is a 14 and over event. Parental discretion advised.
Henry Taylor and Sam Green are the owners of the Weatherford Hotel.
