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If you're looking for a fun, magical, entertaining and unusual evening I have a suggestion.

"Murder at Magic Manor" (written by Patricia Harris Smith) is a lot of fun!  First, the critical details:


This is a comedy dinner theater co-produced by Ross Horwitz ("Magic Crafters") and The Fosters and co-directed by Ross Horwitz and Tom Blackwood every Friday and Saturday evening at 7:00 PM.  OK, it's not really a "Magic Show" in the truest sense but there is magic being performed often throughout the evening as part of the murder mystery and I think that merits being noticed here.

The evening includes a complete three course dinner and about 2 hours of fun entertainment for only $35.00 per person (plus tip).  Discounts are available for groups.  For further information and reservations call 520-624-0172.


Now, if this sounds interesting to you, then keep on reading.  If not, you can stop here because what follows is a personal review of my visit to this event.  (And no, I don't get paid to do this review!)

A couple of weeks ago I attended this dinner theater and was very surprised at just how much fun I had.  I won't give away any "secrets" but I do want to give you a better idea of exactly what this is.

The room is decorated with large magic posters and around the perimeter are large magic props/cabinets for display purposes.  The decor was actually very attractive and tasteful.  Upon entering the room each "guest" is presented with a name tag with a made-up name that plays a small part in the evening.  My name was "Ivan T. Moore" ("I Vant More" for the slow thinkers out there) and according to the name tag I was a famous Hollywood Casting Agent.

Guests are seated at tables of eight.  I happened to be alone that evening so everyone at my table was a stranger to me but the name tags and "in-character" attitudes/personna of the wait staff (who doubles as wait staff and actors) prompt immediate conversation and a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere.

Dinner (salad, main course, dessert) is served before and in between acts (there are three acts) and the actors rush off stage to serve each course and clear tables.

The food is provided by the Chinese restaurant next door but it wasn't traditional Chinese food.  My main course consisted of medallions of either chicken or turkey (I'm not great on identifying food) stuffed with something.  I know, sounds weak but it was delicious with a wonderful white sauce.  Also included a portion of pasta and fresh vegetables.  It was all very delicious.
      
The bread (from Norm Marini's "La Baguette Parisienne" bakery just down the road) was refilled often and was outstanding as Norm's bread always is.

Dessert was a delicious cheesecake.

Full no-host bar service was also available (at an extra charge) thanks to the adjoining restaurant.

During dinner the actors present a very silly, campy, comedy play (somewhat reminiscent of Gaslight Theatre productions) wherein the actors interact with the audience members.  The lead character is "The mostly magnificent Steve and his lovely assistant..." actually, each of his assistants have been killed under suspicious circumstances and this evening Steve is working with "temps."

At every opportunity Steve performs some magical effect.  Some work well, some don't, some are used as sight gags but either way, there is enough magic in the show to keep magicians and enthusiasts chuckling.

As the evening unfolds the actors give clues (storyline) as to who might be murdering Steve's assistants and then at the end of the evening every member of the audience gets to vote on who they think is guilty.  Those who guess correctly are entered into a drawing for a door prize.

I won't tell you any more about the story line but suffice it to say, the entire audience really "bought into" this evening and it was obvious everyone was having a wonderful time.

I think there were about 55 guests that evening so, needless to say, they sell out fast.  You want to call for reservations well in advance to ensure you get to go on the evening of your choice.

So let's get serious about the cost.  If you were to ask me if the dinner is worth $35.00 all by itself I would have to say no.  If you were to ask me if the "murder" show is worth it all by itself I would have to say no again.  But when you consider the entire evening with dinner, show, by-play between the actors and audience, I would say YES.

This is a very unusual evening you cannot have anywhere else in Tucson.  I recommend it!

Magically,
Emory Williams