Frequently Asked Questions About Our Public Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Shows

A Public Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Show is a live, interactive theatrical experience where you enjoy a three-course dinner while professional actors perform a hilarious murder mystery all around you. Every guest becomes part of the investigation by questioning suspects, uncovering clues, and working together to catch the killer before they strike again.

Our Chicago-area Public Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Shows are held at Palm Court Restaurant in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

Yes. Every ticket includes a delicious three-course dinner served throughout the interactive show. Beverage purchases are available separately through the restaurant's bar.

The complete experience lasts approximately 2 to 2½ hours, including dinner service and the full interactive performance.

Not at all! Have fun how YOU want to have fun! Participation is easy and different for everyone. Some will simply question suspects or talk about the entire crime with their tablemates. Others will be suspects, perhaps even the killer! The level of participation is up to you; regardless, it will be the time of your life.

Yes! Selected guests may be invited to portray suspects during the performance. If chosen, you'll receive simple character information and light costume pieces to help bring your role to life. This is a stressful experience, and ultimately playing a suspect is incredibly fun and easy.

If you want to! If not… not. If you're selected and want to participate. Even if you become a suspect, our professional actors guide you every step of the way, making the experience fun and comfortable.

No. A little over 50% of the guests come in costume. However, there is no pressure to do so. This is about having fun, so costumes are completely optional. Guests often enjoy dressing to match each month's new theme to make it a more immersive experience and… for some great photo ops.

No. Our themes change throughout the year, giving returning guests new characters, new stories, and new mysteries to solve.

They are never gory or scary. Our Public Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Shows are designed to be comedic, interactive, and suspenseful. Expect lots of laughter, outrageous characters, clever surprises, and an exciting mystery.

Yes! In many ways, it’s like a live-action version of the classic mystery game Clue. You'll question suspects, gather clues, and solve the crime. Every mystery is brought to life by professional actors performing all around you in a fully immersive theatrical experience.

No. Our actors perform throughout the room, interacting directly with guests and bringing the mystery to life. There are acts done generally in Theater-of-the-round, but the action is truly everywhere around you all night.

Absolutely. Our Public Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Shows are among the Chicago area's most unique date-night experiences, combining dinner, comedy, audience participation, and an unforgettable mystery.

Yes! Many guests celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions while enjoying an evening of mystery, laughter, and great food. There is even a special song we will perform!

Yes. a lot of people do this solo! Whether you come alone, with a date, or as part of a group, you'll work together with your table during the investigation, making it easy to meet people and enjoy the experience.

No. The mystery unfolds throughout the evening, and the killer isn't revealed until the exciting finale after guests have had the opportunity to investigate and make their accusations. Nobody knows who the true killer is, including the true killer.

Every show features different themes, characters, suspects, and storylines. Combined with audience interaction and improvisation, no two performances ever feel exactly alike.

Absolutely. Most guests are attending for the first time. Our actors guide everyone through the experience, making it easy to jump into the mystery and have fun from the moment you arrive.