"'Til Death Do Us Die" by The Mystery Cafe at the Sheraton Bloomington

It was just two years ago that I had my first experience with The Mystery Cafe, a really fun and unique immersive comedy/ improv/ murder mystery/ dinner show. And now I've had my last experience; they announced a few months ago that this would be their final season. But as playwright Philip Dawkins wrote, "just because something ends doesn't mean it wasn't successful." And for 38 seasons, The Mystery Cafe was successful in creating a fun and accessible fusion of theater, comedy, improv, music, mystery, audience participation, and dinner experience. I saw their last original show in November, Showdown at the Kara-OK-e Corral at Majestic Oaks Golf Club in Ham Lake, and last night I returned one last time to the show that started it all (for me) - the wedding-themed 'Til Death Do Us Die. There are three more performances of 'Til Death, and four more of Showdown, and then The Mystery Cafe is but a memory. To experience the unique mystery magic one last time, click here for tickets to one or both shows.

Here is my (slightly edited) review of the previous production of 'Til Death Do Us Die. This production features mostly the same cast as last time I saw it, many of whom are also in Showdown.

'Til Death Do Us Die (an original play written by Mystery Cafe owner Brian Kelly) is the perfect format for this type of show, making it not just immersive but site-specific. From the moment you arrive at the hotel ballroom and are ushered to your table by a man in a tux, it feels like you're at a wedding (the "Ball and Schoen" wedding, to be precise). But the most bizarre and hilarious wedding you've (hopefully) ever been do. A couple of the dozen or so tables are invited to attend the wedding ceremony, with a few rows of chairs set up in the middle of the room. After a few interruptions and jokes, the happy couple is hitched, and we head back to our tables for dinner.* There are a few structured scenes between courses (which the actors serve), but really the show never stops. The wedding party mingles amongst the tables, just like at a real wedding, interacting with the guests and always in character, requiring great improv skills.

I almost forgot this was a murder mystery, I was having so much fun with the immersive faux wedding concept. And since it's been two years and 500-some shows since I last saw this show, I did not remember who the victim was, much less the murderer (although it did come back to me during the show). But yes, eventually, someone winds up dead, which is when the mystery solving begins. We're asked to submit our guess via a QR code (an upgrade from the paper method a few years ago), and the winner receives a prize. It's set up in such a way that it really could be anyone, but if you're paying attention, there are a few telling clues. But it's really less about the mystery than the experience - enjoying a meal with new and old friends and watching (and interacting with) talented performers.

the original cast of 'Til Death Do Us Die
(photo courtesy of The Mystery Cafe)

Speaking of talented performers, the bride Tara Ball is played by the always delightful Nissa Nordland, and her groom Duncan Schoen (get it?) is played by Brian Hodge-Rice. They make for a charming, if slightly bizarre, couple (they're from feuding families, she's been married a few times before). The bride's parents (Wini Froelich and an audience volunteer) were happy to give her away. The ceremony is performed by the bride's uncle, Father Wally Ball (Tim Dybevik), who after the service really enjoyed his champagne. The wedding party consists of the groom's brothers - the elder responsible one, and the younger... simple one (played by Josh Carson and Neal Skoy, who last time I saw as the groom, with previous younger brother Jonah Smith currently appearing in Lyric Arts' fantastic Ride the Cyclone) - and sister-in-law / wedding planner (Casey Martin), and the bride's bestie (Brittany Oberstadt). As DJ Randy "Rock" Hardigan, Sam Landman keeps the music going all night, from organ versions of pop songs before the ceremony (a fun name-that-tune game), to my favorite '80s sitcom theme song during the ceremony (sung by the wedding party), to perfectly chosen songs during the reception. Rounding out the cast is Brad Erickson as the detective who swoops in to solve the murder, a sort of "discount Daniel Craig." The whole cast is really fantastic, performing the script that's full of delightfully bad puns and pop culture references, and staying in character while interacting with the guests/audience.

I'll miss The Mystery Cafe, but I'm so glad I was able to enjoy their last three seasons. It's a fun change of pace from the traditional theater that I see so much of, and love. But removing the separation between artist and audience allows me to enjoy the performances in a different way, and watch these experts up close as they improvise within the framework of their character and the situation. All while enjoying a meal and trying to solve a mystery. Catch one of their seven remaining performances, or hire them for a corporate event while you still can! 

*There is a set menu, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other options available upon request.