Fans of theatrics, role-playing, and the macabre will be excited to join in on the fun at a murder mystery event hosted by the Kiwanis Club, where everyone can try their hand at being the sleuth who cracks the case.
Kiwanis previously held one of these events two years ago, where the premise was a “casino-style” murder mystery. This year’s theme will be “1980s Prom Party Gone Wrong,” taking inspiration from old-school slasher movies complete with clues, suspects, surprises and even the crowning of a prom king and queen, said Kiwanis Club organizer Sandra McNay.
“People dress up in ’80s prom gear and come out,” McNay said. “People who want to participate in the murder mystery as an actor or an actress are given a role to play, and the only people who will know who the murderer is are me, because I’m organizing things, and the murderer. It’s like an interactive play that unfolds as the night goes on.”
The idea first came to mind when McNay and her daughter attended a similar event in Duluth, Minn. and wanted to try putting one on a larger scale in Fort Frances.
“It was a huge hit,” she said. “We sold out for the murder mystery two years ago.”
Since actively taking part in the role-playing isn’t up everyone’s alley, McNay said people are always welcome to come along and watch from the sidelines while they try to weed out the suspect themselves. They can also come along for the penny table, 50/50 and elimination draws.
Attendees will also be able to purchase fake game money that can be used to bribe other characters. Anyone buying the fake money will have their name put in for the grand prize draw of a $500 Ticketmaster gift card, a $250 hotel card and a $250 gas card.
“The only way to get your name in the draw is to buy the fake money,” McNay said.
McNay said the event will kick off at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 14 at the Fort Frances Curling Club and immediately proceed into a cocktail hour. Attendees must be at least 19 years old to enter.
Tickets for the evening are $100, with all sale proceeds going back to the local Kiwanis Club. Purchase of a ticket also includes a meal that can be selected upon checkout, as well as the option to participate as a role player. There are a total of 110 tickets available, and 20 role players are required.
Tickets can be purchased at www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/murder-mystery-24 or by contacting McNay at (807) 276-1293.
