Upcoming interactive dinner theater to benefit WaCPAC

Be part of an investigative team solving a crime while also enjoying an evening out and dining on an Italian buffet — all in support of one of the community’s nonprofit theater organizations — at the Murder at Gatsby’s Gala on May 16.

The event will support the Wayne County Performing Arts Council and will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Mariola Italian restaurant in downtown Wooster.

Murder at Gatsby’s Gala is an interactive murder mystery set in the 1920s at the party of extravagant millionaire Jay Gatsby. Audience members will dine with the cast and help solve a crime that will take place during the meal.

Jennifer Darling-Mellott is the evening’s party planner.

“Dinner will be a buffet, so people will be able to eat on their own schedule, but the characters will be chatting and sharing important information about their relationships with one another during this time,” she said. “I won’t spoil the remainder of the evening too much, but there will be a murder, and from that point on, the guests will be working to identify the killer by intentionally interacting with the characters.”

While it’s not a requirement that the guests dress up, Darling-Mellott said it is strongly recommended. “This is a great opportunity to wear either 1920s-inspired costumes or the very best their wardrobe has to offer,” she said. “Black or white tie attire would not look out of place.”

There will be prizes for best dressed and also for those who are able to correctly deduce the murderer.

There are 13 members in the cast, ranging in age from 16-70. They come from all over the area and vary from experienced performers to those in their first or second show.

WaCPAC board member Jenette Karger said WaCPAC is a nonprofit community theater organization that has been active in the area since 1982. The volunteer group provides theater opportunities for all ages to both participants and audience members.

Proceeds from the gala will go toward WaCPAC’s operating expenses.

“We rent storage space for a large number of costumes, props and set pieces,” Karger said. “We often let other theater groups including school drama clubs borrow what they need. Any money we bring in goes toward those monthly expenses, as well as production expenses for our shows and events.”

Mariola Italian is located at 365 E. Liberty St. Tickets are $50 and include a buffet dinner. Tickets may be purchased online at https://ticketpeak.co/wacpac/events. In the event the evening is not sold out, tickets will be available at the door.

WaCPAC is always looking for volunteers to join the board, organize the storage spaces and/or work on production crews. Anyone interested can visit www.wacpac.org and fill out a volunteer form or email wacpactheater@gmail.com.

“Community theater allows people to express their creativity, connect with others with shared interests and tell wonderful stories that entertain others,” Karger said. “It is a fantastic outlet for those that are artistically inclined.”

“We believe everyone should have a chance to experience interactive theater,” Darling-Mellott said. “Unlike traditional theater, events like these allow the audience to immerse themselves in the show in a unique and individual way.”