When your husband is ill, what better way to boost his spirits than by inviting friends over while you host a murder mystery party. Seriously, is there a better way? We think not! Let’s see what our hostess, Kelly, accomplished with a blackout, booze, and blood in today’s featured mystery, Murder in Manhattan.
Excitement was created through a Facebook invite, which helped gain commitment to the party. Once there was a formal headcount, our hostess mailed the formal invitation (along with the character sheet) and allowed her guests to ask for more information for their part.
For example,
Francis Fisk was my husband and he wanted to look like the Monopoly man. The Philanthropist created his own T-Shirt that says he loves kids since he donated to charities. Davana’s character was played by my girlfriend that wore a full maids outfit and brought a feather duster. The washed up rock star wore a wig, got fake eagle and heart tattoos and wore aviators all night with a leather jacket. I played Taylor Walker and felt a caterer typically wears a white shirt, black bow tie, black pants and an apron.
Once the guests arrived, sealed envelopes were handed out. Enclosed were their full character sheets and name tags that had been printed on 8X11 full white sticker label sheets that were cut out from the template provided. A money envelope was made and it had everyone’s name on it. Our hostess, Kathy, collected $10 per person so they had $200 to play for in cash prizes based off their scoring sheets for best costume, best actor and who done it. Since she assigned the victim and murderer, she personally bought them each a bottle of liquor to be awarded with their certificate. Only two people figured out the killer! She printed the award certificates and framed them with their award cash in an after party winner’s announcement. Talk about an epic hostess!
Kelly says,
Once it was time to start, I stuck to the script provided – that was very easy to read and communicate to everyone. I let them begin as I went upstairs and started passing mini-champagne glasses and engaged when asked questions. Not many people prompted me for information but I could hear them grilling each other. I provided pens on our bar so folks could take notes. I also put a paper shredder in the corner so they could shred any sheets they didn’t feel they needed without wandering eyes.
When it was time for the murder, the victim was told that the power was being turned off on both floors. Three circuits had been previously marked and needed to be hit simultaneously. At the moment the lights went out, instead of using the sound clip, the victim loudly hit the wall and (gently) rolled down a flight of stairs so he was now missing from the main floor, but landed in front of the basement floor people.
Our hostess says she,
…came out with a flashlight and gave only 3 to the closest people while the candles provided very dim lighting. We checked for a pulse and I yelled he was DEAD! I put the lights back on and we broke for scene two. At that time I handed out act two’s sealed envelopes and gave guests time to prepare. We took about 30 minutes to relax and chat outside of character.
This Murder in Manhattan is certainly turning out to be an epic thriller.
Before the party started, Kelly printed out all the evidence and hid them throughout the two floors of space for the scavenger hunt. The victim changed outfits to match hers so they both looked like they were on the same staff. The next script was read and the scavenger hunt for clues began.
I hid the knife under a waste basket, the safe behind a picture on the wall, and the cell phone under a table like it had fallen. I placed the “body” where they had died as I found that did not to need to be hidden. I had to play hot and cold with guests as they struggled to find my spots. Ha! Once I collected all the evidence I went through my script and had to prompt people to come forward (I think they had a lot of drinks in them by this point as we are now about 3 hours in)
Score cards were handed out and results were tracked. Everyone was asked to gather by the bar and the results were announced. The guests that won $50 were elated and the murderer and victim enjoyed getting a bottle of liquor for their hard work keeping secrets. Even though only two people guessed the murderer, the ill husband won best actor for his ability to die and fall down stairs. We wonder if Kellys husband will be ill more often in order to have more epic murder mystery parties like this one.
Everyone had an amazing time and they are already asking me to host another one. I got good feedback from the guests and I know when I do the casino themed one, how to manage it better. I think I can drag that one out longer because guests will love to play all the games I already have from slot machines, craps, blackjack etc.
It seems as if everyone dressed to their role and interpreted their characters in their own unique way.
The menu for this epic Murder in Manhattan party included slider sandwiches, cheese and crackers, and grape juice served in champagne flutes. Our hostess has a large wet bar in her home, and she ensured that it was stocked in order to provide signature drinks throughout the night.
Flameless candles were used to make centerpieces that included white rose petals and red roses on black tablecloths. Our hostess provided a silver plastic serving tray and, per her character, carried snacks and drinks around while conversing with the guests. She also provided a small buffet in the kitchen for guests that wanted a plate for their snack food. Frank Sinatra played in the background, thus keeping this murder mystery classy.
It seems like the Blackout, Booze, and Blood edition of Murder in Manhattan was a rousing success. We look forward to Kelly sharing future parties with us.