What an experience!
Bravo to the Round Rock Public Library, Friends of RRPL, and Penfold Theater for creating an unforgettable night of mystery and fun.
Mystery Night: Into Temptation was an intimate production that encouraged audience participation throughout the evening. I did my homework beforehand and listened to or read as many murder mystery and thriller books as I could get my hands on before the show. I was primed and ready to be a detective for the evening. I felt as if I was on the stage with the actors and brought into the story by the narrator and poised with pen and paper to solve the murder…or should I say murderS.
The show began with a bang and we were immediately transported to winter in Austin. The decor, the lights, the cozy atmosphere was all set up perfectly to get the audience ready to solve the mystery. Each character, from the bartender to the patrons, to the con artists, to the Gen Z-ers, brought a new dimension to the cast and script. The funny moments and thoughtful scenes drew us in so we could get a deeper sense of each character. But don’t let them fool you! Any of them could turn at any moment.
I was listening for hints and clues throughout the show. The script was clever and provided little easter eggs connecting each character to each other. By the end of Act I, I felt like the plot had thickened and everyone was a suspect.
Between each act, the audience was able to ask any of the characters questions. Each character was out in the audience or the lobby and in full character the entire time! What an incredible talent to be able to stay in character even when the audience is prying you with questions about a murder! I was able to speak with a few of the characters to do some sleuthing of my own but they were tight-lipped and hard to read!
Act II brought the big investigation front and center. The plot thickened, characters were getting into questionable situations, and we were on the edge of our seats wondering “whodunnit”?! I had my suspicions about a few unsuspecting characters so I kept a close eye on them. I noted their actions and phrases and side-eyes to see if they would give anything away.
After a quick break for raffle prizes and a few more questions for the characters, the final Act brought it all together. Each audience member had to guess the murderers, how they did it, and WHY they did it. I collected all my evidence, reviewed my notes, and handed my paper over confident that I knew the killers.
Act III revealed the murderers and wrapped it all up to end the show. The actors took their final bows and the audience gave several rounds of applause. It was wonderful to see the talent and heart put into the show and I am looking forward to many more years of this fun event!
And I was WAY wrong on all of my guesses…I guess I should keep my day job and leave the sleuthing to the real detectives.