Gimme a Murder Mystery

In discussing possible performance events with a local organization, we were asked if we could do a murder mystery dinner. Why, sure!

But…

I began researching them. They tend to fall into two categories: expensive (no, thanks!) and lame. The latter seem to have been created by some amateur theatre groups who thought they were doing amazing work, and their audiences didn’t tell them anything different. As for the former, we were hoping for a low budget option.

So I decided to write one.

I outlined the action in terms of three acts (Appetizer/Introduction, Dinner/Seance, and Dessert/Mystery and formulated the cast of characters. Eight seemed about right; lots of variations for action but not so many that it becomes unmanageable or difficult to follow.

I also created mini-scenes within the entire scenario so there would be almost-scripted playable bits for the actors who would be improvising the rest of the time. This would allow them a chance to get their bearings before launching off onto wholly unscripted improv.

Next, a title. I asked ChatGPT what might be a good title, and it provided me with several. I put the blender on mix and decided on “Whispers in a Dark Manor.”

Finally, some AI-generated artwork (below), and I had enough to put the Whispers in a Dark Manor Playbook together. Auditions are happening soon, and then we’ll begin rehearsals (yes, you should rehearse improv! as I discovered when I did Whose Spouse Is It Anyway? based on a comedian dell-Arte scenario) for a late April premiere. More as things develop.