Whodunnit murder mystery arrives in April

A murder is about to take place in Milford on April 22 and 23 - and you are invited to solve the mystery.

Frank Marquette, whose Theater on the Road Company performed “Dracula” previously in Milford, will be bringing “Murder at the Speakeasy” to town for an interactive theatrical experience.

“The show is a combination of traditional theater, improv, and standup,” said Marquette, who is the writer, actor, and director of the show. He and his group have been “killing people“ in the Hudson Valley for more than 25 years. They generally do about 40-45 performances a year and will also be doing a show at Mohawk Mountain House this month.

The audience participation keeps people on its toes and makes them feel like part of the play. They get to interact with the characters and are given clues at various stages of the event.

“Murder at the Speakeasy” is performed in two acts and takes place during the Prohibition Era. In it, Dutch Schultz has opened a speakeasy to give his girlfriend, Lu Lu, a place to sing, but Flapper Rosie isn’t having it. You’ll have the best booze anywhere until tempers flare, bullets rain, and the law shows up. A body will fall, and it doesn’t look like Charleston did it. Whodunnit - and why?

Generally, murder mystery dinner theaters take place all in one setting, but Milford is in a unique position to be able to spread the theatrical experience over two days, three hotels, two restaurants, and the Milford Theater. Imagine the streets full of people who are enjoying the total entertainment experience, going to various venues, and yet being part of the entertainment itself, as well.

There are three different entertainment packages:

The Full Immersive Experience ($489 for two people) on April 22 and 23 includes an overnight stay at either Hotel Fauchere, Tom Quick Inn, or La Posada Inn with Dinner at the Speakeasy in the Tom Quick Signature room at 5 p.m. and part one of the show at the Milford Theater at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and breakfast at Hotel Fauchere with part two of the show at the Milford Theater at 12 p.m. on Sunday.

The Semi Immersive Experience ($250 for two people) on April 22 and 23 includes Dinner at the Speakeasy in the Tom Quick Signature room at 5 p.m. and part one of the show at the Milford Theater at 7 p.m. on Saturday along with part two of the show at the Milford Theater at 12 p.m. on Sunday.

The Theater Only package ($40 for individual tickets) includes the full show on Sunday at 4 p.m.

Attendees for the Full Immersive and Semi Immersive Experiences will receive clues upon hotel check in, dinner and breakfast.

Those attending the full show on April 23, at 4 p.m. will receive clues in a preview show at the theater.

The three-course dinner included in the immersive experiences will include Green Goddess Salad, choice of bourbon chicken or tequila-lime marinated grilled shrimp, potatoes, and broccoli, and red velvet cake for dessert. Vegetarian substitutes are available.

The Milford Hospitality Group invites you to grab your friends, put on your Sherlock Holmes caps, share your clues and expect surprises.

For more information, dinner menu details, or to buy tickets, log onto www.MurderMysteryMilford.com.