Archive-name: Mystery Events/Planners FAQ
Posting-frequency: Whenever
Last-modified: Mon 11 Sep 95 Version: 1.2
Mystery Events/Planners FAQ
by Orietta A. Hardy-Sayles
hardysayls@aol.com
Changes:
Various mistakes corrected.
Barnes & Noble, San Jose CA added.
Bisbee Grand Hotel added.
Interactive mystery gaming FAQ located.
Mysteriously Yours...updated.
Mystery by Design updated.
Mystery Cafe added.
Murder Mystery Trains updated.
Murder on the Menu updated.
Pacific Fresh Restaurant updated.
Partners in Crime added.
Princess Cruise with J.A. Jance added.
Pronto Restaurant added.
Rosario Resort updated.
Sleuths Mystery Dinner show added.
Jan B. Steffenson volunteers FTP site.
Subject: Contents
Subject: 1. Introduction and Intent
Subject: 2. Copyright and Other Cold, Hard Facts
Subject: 3. Thanks to Leads and Information Provided By
Subject: 4. Brought to You By
Subject: 5. Definitions
Subject: 6. Sources of Other Information
Subject: 7. How Do I Get This FAQ or Where Is It Stored?
Subject: 8. Who, What, When, Where, and Why (what you really came for)
Subject: 1. Introduction and Intent
The intent of this FAQ is to provide mystery fans with information about
events open to the public and listings of mystery event planners that offer
services to the public and mystery events that are open to the public.
I am dependent on others for this information. I will list those events
or planners who cater to corporations but the emphasis will be on things
the average person has access to. So, feel free to enlighten or send updates.
And thanks to all who responded to my initial request for information. Your
leads have been very helpful. I will list what information I have received
so far, sketchy as it is in many cases, knowing that we will fill in the
details as we proceed. I will not add a verification date until the information
is confirmed. See Subject 5 for a definition of what I mean by verified.
The actual event information follows a form of the entries I use for
the Annotated Directory to Criminal Pursuits.
I have listed some places that you may not have thought of as sites of
murder mystery events. Some places have hosted mystery events in the past,
or have a reputation for doing mystery events, but not regularly. So give
them a call, or drop them a note telling them that you are interested in
being notified when they plan on hosting a mystery event that is open to
the public.
Subject: 2. Copyright and Other Cold, Hard Facts
(c) Copyright 1995. Mystery fans are invited, yea encouraged to use this
FAQ for their personal fun. This FAQ can be posted to other servers or services
BUT the Mystery Events/Planners FAQ shall be posted in its entirety to include
this copyright notice. Permission to publish, nonprofit or for profit, this
FAQ in print media, in CD media, or any other media technology develops,
must be granted in writing. Use of this list for any other purpose is not
permitted. Otherwise, I will find out and make the culprits life miserable.
Subject: 3. Thanks to Leads and Information Provided By
Brian L. Chambers
Chuck and Sherrie Chaney
Barbara Franchi
Cherie Jung, Over My Dead Body! Mystery Magazine
James Lewczyk
Doug Miller
Gail Peck
Joanne Stato
Jan B. Steffensen
Sandy Walsh, Murder Mystery Party FAQ & Review Website
Subject: 4. Brought to You By
The Magnifying Glass, A Mystery Newsletter
PO Box 7056
Fremont CA 94537-7056
hardysayls@aol.com
Subject: 5. Definitions
Mystery event. An event that involves a mystery scenario that is played
out over a short period of time (several hours) or several days (typically
over a weekend) and is better known as murder mystery weekend. These typically
involve actors. These events usually happen all around the fan and the fan
can be a participant as well.
Interactive event. Event that involves the fan as a participant either
acting out parts or becoming involved by detecting and asking the actors
questions, the purpose being to solve the mystery.
Verified. Date field (mm/yy). Means that I personally know about the
product or service, or someone else has verified that the information is
indeed current, or that I have received advertising or have seen advertising
of the service or product within the last year. The date is added when the
file is updated.
Subject: 6. Sources of Other Information
FAQ on Murder Mystery Party Games and Getaway Weekend Packages by Sandy
Walsh.
Website: http://web.cs.mun.ca/~sandy
Subject: 7. How Do I Get This FAQ or Where Is It Stored?
Its stored on my computer. It is not accessible by FTP. I will post this
file frequently while we build this list so as to stimulate getting information
to add to this file. Later, Ill post at least monthly around the 15th of
each month.
In addition, I'm keeping an HTML version at our Mystery Connection site:
http://emporium.turnpike.net/~mystery/cpguide.html
Jan B. Steffensen has kindly offered to provide us with an FTP site.
When we get the details sorted out, we'll get you the address. So thank
you Jan! And when you can, check out his mystery web site. It's huge:
http://www.db.dk/dbaa/jbs/janbs.htm
Subject: 8. Who, What, When, Where, and Why
(what you really came for)
Barnes & Noble
3600 Stevens Creek Bl at San Tomas Expwy
San Jose CA
Phone: 408/984-3495
Notes: 22 September 1995, 7 pm-Star Trek Interactive Mystery. Costumes encouraged.
Verified: 9/95
The Bisbee Grand Hotel
61 Main St
PO Box 825
Bisbee AZ 85603
Phone: 602/432-5900; 800/421-1909
Contact: Bill Thomas
Notes: Victorian Bed and Breakfast Inn, Grand Western Saloon and Ladies'
Parlor. Regularly host murder mystery weekends where the guests play the
parts and get to dress the parts (I've seen the photos). In 1993, the weekends
cost $150-$197 per person and included the game, lodging, and meals.
Days Inn-City Center (formerly Portland Inn)
1414 S W Sixth (at Clay)
Portland OR
Notes: Have hosted mystery dinner theaters by Eddie May Mysteries.
Verified: 8/95
Decipher, Inc.
Notes: Publisher of the How to Host a Murder (tm) line of murder mystery
games you can act out with a group of friends. Boxed game comes complete
with invitations, scenarios, and ideas. Found in game stores, and some book
stores. Priced $14-$15.
Verified: 8/95
Eddie May Murder Mysteries
Portland OR
Phone: 503/524-4366
Fax: 503/590-8314
Notes: Murder mystery dinner evenings for the public or private parties.
Verified: 8/95
Kids n Kamp Mystery Evening Benefit
3440 Olentangy River Rd
Columbus OH 43202
Phone: 614/262-2220
Fax: 614/262-9020
Email: debi287@aol.com
Notes: Annual mysterious evening to benefit Kids n Kamp. 11th annual: 9
September 1995, Saturday, 5:30 pm rain or shine. Humpty Dumpty-Did he fall
or was he pushed? Suspects and snitches include Little Bo Peep, Jack and
Jill, and Little Boy Blue. 4 detectives/team. Must be at least 18; $30/person.
Verified: 8/95
Legends of the Peaks Restaurant
The Peaks Resort
Telluride CO
Phone: 303/728-6800
Notes: Have hosted mystery events in the past.
Verified: 8/95
Murder Mystery Trains
PO Box 835
Renton WA 98057-0835
Phone: 206/277-8408
Reservations: 206/227-7245 or 1-800/876-RAIL
Fax: 206/277-8839
Notes: Mystery dinner theater while traveling on Spirit of Washington from
Renton station along Lake Washington to winery in Woodenville WA. Rate in
March/April 1995 was $72/person. Departure at 6:30 pm. Prize to best sleuth.
Verified: 9/95
Murder on the Menu (tm)
PO Box 8116
Berkeley CA 94707-8116
Phone: 510/339-2800
Fax: 510/339-8309
Email: jrudolph2@aol.com
Contact: Janet Rudolph
Notes: Parties of murder, mystery, and mayhem. Has created fund-raising
events for KQED (SF PBS station) on the Hornblower Yacht Cruises.
Verified: 8/95
Mysteriously Yours...
1927 Yonge St
Toronto, Ontario M4S 1Z3
Canada
Phone: 416/486-7469 (GUN-SHOW); 1-800/668-3323 (NOT-DEAD)
Fax: 416/486-7822
Contact: Brian Caws
Notes: Mystery Dinner Theatre at the Royal York Hotel Fridays and Saturdays;
dinner at 6:30 pm. Matinees Wednesdays at Toronto's historic Old Mill; lunch
at 11:15 am. Mysteries change monthly. Currently showing repertory theater
selections from their best shows of the past 6 years. Beginning 22 September
1995 Murder on Sunset Boulevard. Fridays: show only $20; hot/cold buffet,
tax & gratuity $55. Saturdays: show only $30; dinner $60. Discount $5
per person seniors, children under 16, students with valid ID, groups of
20 or more. Corporate, travel, and independent tour operator arrangements
available. (Remember these are Canadian dollars)
Verified: 9/95
Mysterium Productions
PO Box 41236
Santa Barbara CA 93140
Mystery by Design
1341 Duke Way
San Jose CA 95125
Phone: 408/266-7194
Contact: Katie Hassett
Notes: Parties, fund raisers, team builders. Dinner mystery theater, Fatal
Football Fever, Fridays and Saturdays, at Pacific Fresh Restaurant (408/745-1710),
1130 No Mathilda Av, Sunnyvale CA (across from Lockheed) $34 and $42.
Verified: 9/95
Mystery Cafe
4105 East Madison, Ste 310
Seattle WA 98112
Phone: 206/324-8895
Contact: Jennifer L. Gentry, Production Manager
Notes: Part of Mystery Cafe begun in boston in 1988. In Seattle since 1991.
Offer group rates in addition to individual rate. Includes dinner, performance,
taxes, service charge, and gratuity. 1994 prices averaged $38.50-$40, not
including room charge ($150) for large groups. Performances seven days a
week.
Verified: 9/95
Mystery Dinner Theater
Boston MA
Napa Valley Riverboat
Napa CA
Phone: 707/226-2628
Notes: Murder on the Old Riverboat by Murder by Design. 3rd and 4th Sunday
brunch cruise. Through September 1995. By Murder by Design.
Verified: 8/95
Cathy Nelson and Jim Ross
517 south 51st Av
Omaha NE 68106-1362
Phone: 402/558-1869
Notes: Produce interactive mystery dinners.
Verified: 8/95
Pacific Fresh Restaurant
1130 No Mathilda Av
Sunnyvale CA
Phone: 408/745-1710
Notes: (across from Lockheed) Mystery dinner theater (stories change quarterly),
Fatal Football Fever, by Mystery by Design. Fridays and Saturdays, $34 and
$42
Verified: 9/95
Partners in Crime
PO Box 51963
Pacifc Grove CA 93950
Phone: 408/647-8579; 408/424-5948
Notes: In addition to public events, will produce private events.
14-15 October 1995-Who's Killing Monterey's Doncellas? $89/person at the
Monterey Hotel, Monterey CA.
21 October 1995-Murder on the Dock: An International Trade Mystery. $89/person
at the Monterey Peninsula College CA.
4 November 1995-A Most Diverse Murder: A Multicultural Team-Building Mystery.
$89/person at the Monterey Peninsual College CA.
Verified: 9/95
Princess Cruise with mystery author J.A. Jance
Cruise Holidays of Seattle Centre
2001 Sixth Av, Ste 345
Seattle WA 98121
Phone: 206/441-7447; 1-800/340-7447
Notes: 9-16 March 1996 on the Sun Princess cruise the Western Caribbean.
Benefits Ronald McDonald House, a home away from home for children with
cancer and their families. Includes talks with J.A. Jance, autograph and
photo sessions, contest, cocktail party. $1598-$2608.
Verified: 9/95
Pronto Restaurant
3950 East Campbell Av
Phoenix AZ
Phone: 994-1520
Notes: Dinner mystery theater. Murder at Rutherford House. Fridays and Saturdays,
4-course meal and show $33.
Verified: 8/95
Red Herring Productions
PO Box 50287
Colorado Springs CO 80949-0287
Phone: 719/593-8032
Email: kimmik@bayne.com
Website: http://www.usa.net/wolfBayne/mystery/
Contact: Kim M. Bayne
Notes: Since 1985. Mystery, Western, or Melodrama interactive dramas for
corporate, community, or personal functions for groups of 30 to 500.
Verified: 8/95
Rosario Resort and Spa
Eastsound WA
Phone: 360/376-2223
Notes: On the one of the San Juan Islands. Occasionally hosts a mystery
weekend.
Verofoed: 9/95
Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show
Orlando FL
Phone: 1-800/393-1985
Notes: (I called, but the phone was on an answering machine while they were
doing a show. Will keep you posted.oahs)
Verified: 9/95
Tellos
Baltimore MD
Notes: Located in the Inner Harbor of Baltimore occasionally hosts a murder
mystery dinner theatre.
Verified: 8/95