If you’re looking for a fun way to entertain the family for Sunday dinner, check out the murder mystery dinner programs held at the Spaghetti Warehouse in Tampa’s historic district, Ybor City. Shows are held once or twice a month and feature a delightfully campy cast from the Murder Mystery Company.
While diners enjoy a 3-course dinner featuring classic Italian dishes, the cast sets the scene, and (gasp!) a murder is committed. From there the hilarity commences as everyone races to find the culprit.
Who done it? Audience members race to find the clues and identify the murderer — Photo courtesy of Murder Myster Co.
The current theme features 80s rock star Poison Ratenstein who is tragically killed before he can take the stage for his concert in Tampa. With suspects aplenty including a jealous wife, a mysterious mistress and a suspicious manager, the detective on the case needs some help from the audience.
Be prepared to get in on the action! These shows are big on audience participation and the more you get involved, the more fun you’ll have. Many guests dress the part as well, showing up in colorful, theme-related costumes in keeping with the time period.
As diners are seated, they become part of a team whose goal is to solve the murder. At each table, a guest is chosen to play a character and provided with a background story and potential clues. Teams work together to gather clues and identify the murderer.
After each dinner course, the diner-detectives are encouraged to get up and mingle with both cast members and guest characters to interview potential suspects and gather the pertinent hints. Anyone could be the murderer and anyone can be a murder victim.
The evening ends with the identification of the killer and the awarding of certificates to audience members and teams for best acting, best costume and the best solution to the crime.
The Murder Mystery Company entertains guests all over the country, excelling in providing 2 hours of comedic intrigue at public performances and private parties. Tickets for the shows are available online at their website starting at $60 each.
The dinner menu features popular dishes that the Spaghetti Warehouse is famous for, such as spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna and manicotti. With a salad to start and tiramisu to finish, this meal is always a hit with diners. Alcoholic drinks are extra and each diner is subject to a $6 gratuity.
Of course, the Spaghetti Warehouse is the perfect spot for a casual Italian meal any day! Check out their Warehouse Wednesday specials for deals that are a real steal with classic options starting at $5.95.