Celebrity agent Ace Handelum did it with the pistol. Or, did starry-eyed Nicole Turlington slip some poison into the mashed potatoes? It's up to the audience to solve the mystery.
Ace and Nicole are two of the six fictional characters that make up the cast of the Michigan Princess River Boat's Murder Mystery Dinner Theater.
"Murder Madness", which began 15 years ago, combines humor and suspense with a tasty dinner to create an exciting night that is both entertaining and interactive.
"Everybody likes playing Sherlock Holmes for the evening," Michigan Princess owner, Karla Chamberlain said.
Up to 300 guests board the Michigan Princess at Grand River Park in Lansing to enjoy a Captain's Buffet while chatting with the actors who will soon turn into suspects.
The passengers are given programs as they are seated. Each program includes the names and descriptions of the characters, and a few written clues.
Characters include a diva-like talk show host, a costumer, a technician, an agent, a Hollywood hopeful and the inspector.
The actors entertain the audience with their exuberant personalities while giving them more clues through their actions. At some point in the evening one of the characters winds up dead.
Typically, the audience can guess which person is going to be the first victim.
According to actor Michael Klier, the guests usually applaud when the character is murdered. Barbara Strachan, a member of the National Association of Women In Construction, went to a "Murder Madness" lunch with her group in July.
"She had it coming," she said of the murdered character in her show. "We weren't surprised."
After the murder, it is up to the audience to figure out who did it and why. Guests are given the opportunity to question the suspects and draw their own conclusions, but it is Inspector Youbet who finally closes the case.
Klier, who plays Youbet, said it is the interaction with the audience that makes "Murder Madness" so much fun.
"From an actor's point of view, we never know exactly what to expect because each audience is different," he said. "But, since we're able to use our improv skills, it brings new life to the show each time."
Most times, there is a twist or a surprise ending.
"When you least expect it, someone turns out to be in the show that you didn't think was in the show," Klier said.
The Michigan Princess hosts 15 Murder Mystery dinners a year. They collaborate with Theater Arts Production, which provides the actors for each show. It costs $65 per person and only guests 13-years-old and up are allowed to attend. The next show is at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. For more information call (517) 627-2154 or visit their Web site at michiganprincess.com.
