Frequently Asked Questions

Keith & Margo’s MURDER MYSTERY USA, Inc. is an internationally-acclaimed entertainment service with headquarters in Hollywood, California. To quote The Los Angeles Times: "Keith & Margo have set the standard that all others try and emulate... They are the masterminds of the genre! By far the most professional and elegant!". In Hollywood magazine writes: "The Rolls-Royce of Mystery companies... Still the best!" Featured on ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT and LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS, we are the #1 Murder Mystery company in North America. Since 1983, and from Buenos Aires to Vancouver, from Puerto Rico to Hawaii, from Alaska to Acapulco, from Hamburg to Costa Rica, from The Bahamas to Paris, we’ve been responsible for more excitement and skullduggery around the globe than any other group event planner, producing thousands upon thousands of live-action whodunits worldwide for clients that include almost every company listed in The Fortune 1000! The Texas affiliate, Keith & Margo’s MURDER MYSTERIES of Texas, has served Dallas/Fort Worth and all of the Southwest since 1990. Ask for Robert or Debbie Banks.

2). WHAT DOES “INTERACTIVE MURDER MYSTERY” MEAN -- KEITH & MARGO’S STYLE?

An enjoyably intense game of make-believe for adults, where one can attempt to outwit our Law & Order-type Detectives in the context of a live-action whodunit. You are literally in the middle of the action; discovering, analyzing and deciphering clues; interrogating your favorite suspects [incognito, improvisational, professional actors] -- all the while being treated as a suspect yourself by other guests and the local Homicide Detective working the case. He will guide everyone through the process of solving the crime as they compete for prizes.

3). HOW ARE KEITH & MARGO’S MYSTERIES DIFFERENT FROM LESS EXPENSIVE COMPETITORS?

Apples and oranges. K-Mart and Saks Fifth Avenue. Ours is not another over the- top, wacky, zany skit where you’ll find overacted hamminess, outrageous low-budget costumes, and bad puns. Real lovers of the mystery genre cringe at such an experience. These other companies are quite proud of such hijinks and truly believe this lowest common denominator approach is what the public expects from a murder mystery dinner theatre these days. Buyer Beware! We at Keith & Margo’s have a different philosophy. We’re on a never-ending crusade to provide the ultimate audience-participatory experience that will entertain, challenge, and most importantly, not insult the intelligence of the mystery buff. Ladies... this, at last, is something you can take your husband to which will not make him roll his eyes. We believe in assuming the audience is intelligent, educated, well read, funloving yet mature. In essence, we appeal to the more elite and sophisticated fan. We strive for quality, and elegance. We revel in intricate clues, secret identities, riddles and coded messages. When you attend a Keith & Margo’s Murder Mystery event...

• You’re not gonna see an actress with a feather boa and a long, long cigarette holder... that’s the other guys. Our professional actors are blended in, posing as real-life human beings... not cardboard, stick figures from a Scooby Doo episode. Shrill, one-dimensional, stock cartoon characters have been done to death. We are unique.

• You’re not gonna see some French maid with an outrageous accent... that’s the other guys. Don’t think actors. Think con artists or undercover DEA agents. That’s the style of realistic acting you’ll encounter at a Keith & Margo’s event. Imagine: improvising with them... one-on-one... just like a regular conversation over dinner.

• You’re not gonna see cliche stereotypes ala a Clue Game... that’s the other guys. No blonde, over-padded bimbos with squeaky voices. With Keith & Margo’s, it’s as if you went to a restaurant or hotel... a homicide occurs... the police department investigator arrives [not some British guy in a deerstalker cap, or a 1940’s Bogart costume -- but a 21st Century law enforcement professional in a suit]... and all the diners are canvassed and interrogated. You are all suspects. And the only way you can prove your innocence is to help find the killer yourself!

• You’re not gonna have characters with goofy, phony names riddled with puns such as “Harry Pitts”... that’s the other guys. Trust no one. You are surrounded by possible impostors -- not only other guests but wait staff, bartenders, and even the guy who parks your car. Getting paranoid yet?

• You’re not gonna get only one murder where all the characters could have done it and all you can do is guess or flip a coin... that’s the other guys. Most of our plots have two to three homicides. But only one person in the room with means, motive, and opportunity could have done any one of them. The evidence is the key. Challenging but fair... and a helluva lot of fun! To sum up, we avoid and reject the THREE “C”s OF MYSTERY DINNER THEATRE: Campiness, Cheesiness, and Corniness. Why settle for schlock? Oh, you can get cheaper... but you cannot get better.

4). IF THE PERFORMERS IMPROVISE AND IT'S NOT A TRADITIONAL PLAY... ISN’T THE RESULT UTTER CHAOS?

Actually, these events are extremely well-orchestrated by both the Detective and The Murder Mystery Host [a stage manager/director working for Keith & Margo's]. The performers cleverly behave and converse in character, giving verbal and behavioral hints to inquisitive guests. Nothing is left to chance and it is all extremely organized. Although highly improvisational in style, our shows are not made up by our actors as they go. There are specific times for listening to announcements [the reading aloud of a new clue, perhaps]; realistic, dialogue scenes between suspects [actors]; as well as plenty of sleuthing time for you, the guests.

5). HOW DOES ONE SOLVE THE MYSTERY?

Guests who win the game are the ones who observe behavior, decipher clues, and question suspects with a discriminating mind. Logic is required, and a sense of adventure. A great sense of humor helps, too! Very competitive participants will go so far as to mercilessly grill our suspects [actors], while gathering handwriting samples, taking extensive notes, using their cell phone cameras, videotaping evidence, etc.

6). WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MYSTERY DINNER, A MYSTERY WEEKEND, A HOLIDAY BASH AND A PRIVATE PARTY?

Please return to the Home Page and click on “What Are The Different Types of Murder Mysteries?”

7). ARE THE SHOWS FUNNY?

Of course! Our Detectives are portrayed by some of the finest Stand-Up Comics and Improvisation Experts in the area. But you’re not gonna hear a corny pun every other line... that’s the other guys. Our frequent humor comes from the jaded, seen-it-all, cynical irony of the Homicide Detective... ad-libbed in the style of Jerry Orbach on LAW & ORDER, Dennis Franz on NYPD BLUE, and Richard Belzer on HOMICIDE: LIFE ON THE STREETS. They use reality-based, sarcastic wisecracks throughout the event... not vaudeville punchlines.

PUBLIC DINNER TOPICS

1). HOW EARLY SHOULD ONE ARRIVE? IS IT ON A STAGE? IS THERE A FRONT ROW? HOW IS AUDIENCE SEATING ARRANGED? WHAT ARE THE BEST SEATS?

This is not like regular plays where you try to arrive early to get a front row seat near the stage. With our shows, there is no front row and there is no stage. You are not an audience member watching a play in silence, like the other murder mystery plays in town. Rather, you are a participant, actively involved in a homicide investigation. The first thing that occurs is a Reception in another area, so it doesn’t help you to come early whatsoever. Remember, dinner will be served 45 minutes after start-time, so plan for a late dinner. Those who arrive extra early may get very bored. So we strongly recommend you try to arrive right at the start-time and not before. Seats are semi-assigned. Don’t forget -- suspects surround you in the dining room. Are you seated next to the murderer at your table? Or the next victim? Therefore, every seat is a great seat!

2). IS THE MURDER MYSTERY BEFORE OR AFTER THE DINNER? WHEN DOES THE ACTUAL MYSTERY PRESENTATION BEGIN AND END?

A Keith & Margo’s event begins the moment you check in with the Murder Mystery Host [the guest behind you in line may be an incognito impostor, already behaving suspiciously], and lasts throughout the hors d'oeuvre reception, during dinner and dessert, and ends only as you exit the restaurant or hotel. So watch your back!

3). HOW DOES ONE PICK UP TICKETS?

You don’t. There are no tickets. When you reserve on-line, a confirmation with directions and reminders is emailed to you. However, you do not have to print it out and show it at the door like a ticket. Simply give the Murder Mystery Host your last name when you arrive [you are on the check-in list].

4). SHOULD ONE BRING CHILDREN?

To be honest, this event is intended for the Moms and Dads who are enjoying a night’s vacation away from the kiddies. Therefore, an audience packed with kids defeats the purpose. Besides, parents need to be aware that there will be loud gunshots, screaming, knifings acted out, blackouts and stage blood used. If you’re expecting a CLUE Game presentation or a family friendly Scooby Doo-type mystery... you will be greatly disappointed. Think Law & Order or C.S.I. instead. The suspects are not always nice people. Drama requires conflict, and conflict means villains doing villainous things. For young children [anything under 12], we ask that you get a baby sitter.

5). IS IT R-RATED? IS THERE NUDITY?

The language is not R-rated or X-rated. There is no nudity. You’ll never hear the “F” word or the Seven Words you can’t say on television. Sometimes, you might hear mild swearing such as “Hell” and “Damn” and “S.O.B.” and “Bastard”, etc. Some humor may contain mild sexual innuendo. More naughty or suggestive than lewd. Nothing graphic. Some plots may involve adult situations or mature themes [i.e. infidelity, drug use]. We do not do a squeaky clean “Disney” show -- this is about murder and the motives leading up to murder -- but we stay clear of overt vulgarity and strong, offensive material. We tend to rate our regular shows PG-14.
NOTE: For private parties, G-rated shows are available upon request.

6). WHAT'S THE TYPICAL AGE RANGE OF THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE?

Broad range of everyone from people in their late teens to senior citizens. Mostly professional-types in their 30’s - 50’s. Lotta Baby Boomers.

7). IS IT GORY OR SCARY? DO YOU SEE A GRISLY MURDER COMMITTED IN FRONT OF THE AUDIENCE?

Our death scenes are as graphic and realistic as good taste will allow. Most murders take place out of the room, or during a blackout. All you see is a victim suddenly staggering through the dining room, trying to identify his killer before collapsing nearby. Stage blood is used however. As far as scariness is concerned, only our Halloween scripts tend to get a little creepy, dealing as they sometimes do with more supernatural, paranormal themes such as ghosts [seances], werewolves, warlocks or vampires -- all in a whodunit context. If you’re offended by such topics, please skip our September- October shows.

8). WHAT'S THE THEME? DOES ONE NEED TO WEAR PERIOD CLOTHES OR RENT A COSTUME?

Our mysteries are contemporary. You see, we want it to feel like a real murder has been discovered, in real life, with the real local police department taking charge and holding the witnesses for questioning. If we all pretend we’re in the Old West or the Roaring 20’s or an Agatha Christie 1930’s plot, it would rapidly become the THREE “C”s OF MYSTERY DINNER THEATRE: Campy, Cheesy, and Corny. And we’re striving for quality here.

9). WHAT'S THE DRESS CODE OR ATTIRE?

Business Casual or Dressy Casual up to Cocktail Hour/After Five attire is typical. Men are not required to wear a coat or tie. It’s optional. Women can wear anything from slacks or a pantsuit all the way up to a cocktail hour dress. No ratty jeans, no T-Shirts, cut-off shorts or sneakers, please.

10). DOES A GUEST HAVE TO ACT AND PERFORM... OR PLAY A KILLER, SUSPECT OR VICTIM THEMSELVES?

Our shows are always ultra interactive. However, our guests are not asked to play parts in some amateurish play for the audience. Other mystery troupes do offer this sometimes -- mainly to save on costs such as real actors. At our shows, the killer(s) and improvisational suspects are played by highly-skilled, trained thespians [many featured in TV, film, and theatre roles]. This keeps the quality of the acting on a professional level, and ensures that you get your money’s worth.

11). BUT WHAT IF A GUEST WANTS TO BE EXTROVERTED AND HAMMY?

Flamboyant, hammy guests like to attract attention to themselves by dressing suspiciously, using aliases and fooling other guests into thinking they're the murderer. That's OK with us. It adds to the fun and helps provide entertaining decoys who attract attention away from our real incognito actors.

12). WHAT IF A GUEST IS SHY AND JUST WANTS TO SIT AND WATCH?

Don’t worry --shy, or easily embarrassed players can have a wonderful time seated at their table all night long, being more of an armchair detective.

13). ARE THE SHOWS FUNNY?

14). CAN ONE JUST SEE THE SHOW AND NOT EAT FOR LESS MONEY?

Sorry, no.

15). WHAT IS OFFERED FOR GUESTS CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES?

When you make your reservations and after paying with your credit card online... you are asked to fill out a questionnaire about any guest celebrating a birthday or anniversary [sorry, limit only one name per group]. Then we surprise that person during the show by implicating them into the plot as a pseudo-suspect [i.e. during the investigation, we set them up to look suspicious... basically framing them like in a practical joke]. The Detective may mention their name, stand them up -- humorously implying that they are guilty of some plot-related felony. The whole process takes a few minutes, there is no acting required, and it’s all meant as harmless, hysterical fun.
NOTE: We have a quota of only 8 guests implicated per public show. Book early! If the web site does not present the questionnaire to you for a given date, that means we have reached our quota for that show.

16). WHAT IF ONE WANTS TO SURPRISE SOMEONE THAT IT’S A WHODUNIT? WHEN WILL HE/SHE KNOW IT'S A MURDER MYSTERY?

When you drive up and park, it just looks like a regular restaurant outside. But once inside, one sees a poster, and the words “Murder Mystery” everywhere as The Murder Mystery Host introduces herself.
WARNING: It may seem like a fun idea, but not telling a guest they’re going to an interactive murder mystery spells disaster... every time. It takes the guest about 45 minutes to get over the shock -- some are stunned, some are angry, and some don't participate for the rest of the evening. On the other hand, we've found when participants are told beforehand they are doing a whodunit, they are filled with giddy anticipation, and are mentally psyched-up to be interactive, playful and audience-participatory.

17). WHAT’S IT LIKE? WHAT HAPPENS? WHAT IS A TYPICAL 3-HOUR PUBLIC DINNER ITINERARY?

RECEPTION

Arrive at the restaurant and meet your Murder Mystery Host and check in. You receive a name tag, but you can lie and put a fake or funny name on it, or put your own! Remember, after check-in, you do not have to tell the truth about anything from then on!

You will receive an Intro Sheet with instructions as well as a series of random questions for you to go and interrogate other guests with. The idea is to talk to as many people as possible before something happens. Your chance to lie to everyone as well!

MAYHEM

Guests begin to file into the dining room to sit at round tables. Some people try to sit with people they think are suspicious! The first body hits the floor! A Homicide Detective takes control of the room for the rest of the evening.

SALAD

First course is served by the waiters (Are they all really waiters? Hmmmm). Be prepared to be investigated should you be brave enough to ask the Detective a question!

MAIN COURSE/DESSERT

A delicious dinner, any number of homicides occur, and clues pile up as you listen to the Detective and watch each other like hawks!

ANSWER FORM

You get a chance to fill in an answer form with your best guess at what happened and who is guilty. Answers are collected, the crimes are solved, and arrests made!

PRIZES

Prize awarded to most accurate answer and prizes for most hilarious answers! Over and Out!

(Please Note: Itineraries and individual restaurant menus vary and are subject to change)

Click here to see our what's it like page

18). HOW SOON SHOULD ONE RESERVE?

Early in the month! We are extremely popular, and sell out easily! Occasionally, we might have a few seats the day before any given show. Call to check availability [contact us Tuesdays through Saturdays 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM by calling Metro 972-263-5178... Ask for Debbie Banks].

19). WHAT IS THE PUBLIC SHOW GROUP DISCOUNT POLICY?

If you have a group of 10 or more, and pay with one payment [not separately]... then we give a group discount of $5.00 off per person. If it's 25 or more in the group... then we give a group discount of $6.00 off per person. This discount is automatically built in when you reserve on-line. BUT FOR THIS DISCOUNT WE CANNOT TAKE MONEY AT THE DOOR, AND NO SEPARATE PAYMENTS, REMEMBER. THANK YOU.

Note: There is no group discount offered for Public December Shows

21). WHAT IF A GROUP IS TAX EXEMPT?

If your group is tax exempt, we’ll take $4.00 off per person. You must pay over the phone for this type of transaction.
NOTE: We will require a copy of your tax exempt status mailed or faxed to our office. Call for mailing address [contact us Tuesdays through Saturdays 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM by calling Metro 972-263-5178... Ask for Debbie Banks].

22). WHAT'S THE CANCELLATION POLICY?

JANUARY - NOVEMBER:You have up until TWO DAYS before the event to call us at our office by 5:00 PM to either cancel for a full refund or to reduce your head count without penalty. After this 48-hour deadline, no cancellations or reductions are accepted. Sorry, no exceptions. Increases, however, are allowed up to the afternoon of the show pending availability.

DECEMBER:You have up until TWO WEEKS before the event to call us at our office to either cancel for a full refund or to reduce your head count without penalty. After this TWO WEEK deadline, no cancellations or reductions are accepted. Sorry, no exceptions. Increases, however, are allowed up to the afternoon of the show pending availability.

23). WHAT IF ONE DOESN'T WANT TO USE A CREDIT CARD? CAN ONE PAY AT THE DOOR?

You must arrange to mail us a Money Order in advance [call us for our office address -- contact us Tuesdays through Saturdays 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM by calling Metro 972-263-5178... Ask for Debbie Banks.]. No checks please. Sorry, we do not accept last-minute arrivals at the door without an advance prepaid reservation.

24). HOW CAN MEMBERS OF A GROUP SIT TOGETHER IF THEY RESERVE SEPARATELY?

Easy. When reserving on-line... you are asked if you are a part of a larger group. If you are, simply type their names into the space provided, and we sit you all together.

25). WHAT'S THE MENU? CAN IT BE CHANGED?

The menu is pre-set at each of our public show locations throughout Texas. Email us for specific menus for specific locations. We offer a Pasta Primavera alternative for Vegetarians... but you have to tell us days before the show -- not during the show.
We also make a valiant effort to work with unusual diets or allergies... but you have to tell us days before the show -- not during the show.

26). WHAT IS THE LOCATION OF THE DINNER SHOW? CAN ONE GET DIRECTIONS AND/OR A MAP?

See the map links on this site. Otherwise, e-mail us for directions.

27). CAN ONE TAKE PICTURES/SHOOT VIDEO?

Yes. Go for it. If you post it on YOU TUBE, please refer to it as a Keith & Margo’s Murder Mystery. We wouldn’t want a campy, cheesy, corny troupe getting credit for our unique production, would we?

28). CAN ONE BRING A CAKE?

Yes. Just give it to our Murder Mystery Host when you check in, and it will be delivered to your table during Dessert.

29). HOW DOES ONE MAKE RESERVATIONS?

Prepaid reservations only on-line [please return to the Home Page and click on “Reserve Your Murder Mystery”] or through credit card over the phone [contact us Tuesdays through Saturdays 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM by calling Metro 972-263- 5178... Ask for Debbie Banks.], or money order through the mail. Sorry, we do not accept last-minute arrivals at the door without an advance prepaid reservation.

30). WHAT IS A TYPICAL 3-DAY WEEKEND ITINERARY?

FRIDAY CHECK-IN

You're being watched. Notice anything unusual about that other couple getting their room keys just ahead of you?

FRIDAY HEAVY HORS D'OEUVRES [Cash Bar]

Here's where you get to meet the other guests. All you know at this point is that there are impostors in the group. Hmmm... that's strange. Suddenly you start to notice that your drink smells like burnt almonds. You observe that everyone in the group has some suspicious characteristics about them. Then, of course, nobody believes a word you've said so far either. Suffice it to say that this isn't going to be the quiet little Reception you had imagined. After all, this is where it all gets started -- usually with a bang. And you without an alibi. Because of the circumstances at this point, you may even start to notice how interesting it is the way seasoned homicide investigators can twist things around and make it look like you aren't who you say you are. Particularly since that crumbled up piece of paper you casually tossed away during the cocktail party turned out to be a major clue. Oh, well, a murder investigation is underway and so far you've managed to make it to the top of the suspect list. Who's counting?
Perhaps a drink later in the bar and some casual conversation will turn up some new leads. Hopefully, somebody without a badge will still want to talk to you.

SATURDAY LUNCH

Seems the investigation has turned up a lot of new evidence. You begin to see a picture starting to form. Maybe that old lady across the room isn't old... or even a lady for that matter. Something's not adding up. Wait a minute! Another major twist! Shoot! Just when you thought you were onto something. After a hearty lunch and some updates you decide to enjoy one or two of the hotel's [or the city’s] activities while at the same time keeping your eyes open. You decide to spend the rest of the afternoon non-chalantly grilling a few of your prime suspects -- off the record, of course.

SATURDAY RECEPTION [Cash Bar]

Why not? It's time to celebrate. You've managed to narrow this down to one person and every clue turned up so far points in the right direction. You've got this nailed. Don't say anything to anyone. You don't want to tip 'em off. After all, there is a prize.

SATURDAY DINNER

The piece de resistance! It's a good thing you didn't tell anyone about your theory -- it just got carried out the door in a body bag. Now what? You gotta' re-think this. Whoever's running this weekend just announced that when we come into Brunch in the morning we have to hand in our solutions. All those clues, twists, turns. Mayhem! Wait a minute... What was it that guy said at lunch about... Of course! You've got another idea! And it's brilliant! After a cognac or two you might be able to put this down on paper.

SUNDAY BRUNCH

You've handed in your brilliant solution. A hush falls over the room as our tireless detective paces back and forth. There's that smirk on his face again. He has it figured out. Do you?

Whether you won the Prize or not, you had a great time. Great location. Great food. Interesting people. You forgot about work for awhile... all those everyday annoyances... and even though you worked at the investigation... you relaxed. You feel good.

(Please Note: Itineraries and individual hotel amenities vary and are subject to change)

31). WHAT IS A TYPICAL NEW YEARS EVE HOLIDAY BASH ITINERARY?

RECEPTION/DANCING

Guests arrive at the hotel and meet their Murder Mystery Hosts and check in. They receive an Intro Sheet with instructions. A few hundred semi-formally dressed guests begin to file into a ballroom to sit at round tables of 10 designated as teams [i.e. The Columbo Team, The Law & Order Team, The CSI Team, etc]. Meanwhile, the dancefloor is open, and the D.J. is taking requests! On the Intro Sheet is a list of humorous ice-breaker questions that allow guests to interrogate each other. These questions are designed to set a light-hearted mood.

SALAD

The Murder Mystery Host will announce that the Teams are pitted against each other to try and win the contest. The first course is served just as a homicide occurs! A smart-aleck Police Detective takes control of the event for the rest of the evening. He proceeds to call implicated guests up to the dancefloor/stage area and “roast” them as possible suspects.

DANCING/INTERROGATIONS

The lights dim as the dancefloor again comes alive with party-goers. Why not mix in a little romance with all the mayhem? During this, the Teams can question anyone they want as they come up with their theory, but they should not share their ideas with other Teams.

DINNER/DESSERT

A gourmet dinner continues, amidst heated arguments between conspicuously suspicious guests. Any number of murders occur, clues pile up as the Teams listen to the Detective and take notes!

ANSWER FORM/DANCING

The Teams attempt to come to a consensus in order to solve the crimes. Each Team will have an opportunity to hand in a written answer. Eventually, the D.J. kicks in again and continues to take requests, as the dancefloor is re-opened!

SOLUTION/PRIZES

The crime is solved, and arrests made! The Team with the most accurate answer, tying all the evidence together, and picking out the killer or killers win team prizes. The Team with the most amusing, ridiculous answer also win a “boobie” prize for each member.

MORE DANCING

The D.J. takes over the rest of the evening.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

The New Year is ushered in with champagne, a balloon drop, party favors, and lots of kissing!

ALL GOOD THINGS...

The dancefloor will finally close down, as guests stagger to the elevator to ride up to their guest room.

THE MORNING AFTER

Breakfast is served for all those Amateur Sleuths with blood-shot eyes.

(Please Note: Itineraries and individual hotel menus vary and are subject to change)

PRIVATE PARTY TOPICS

1). CAN A PRIVATE SHOW BE PERFORMED IN AN HOUR OR UNDER?

Using the Keith & Margo's approach, it is impossible to do a decent Murder Mystery in 30 minutes to an hour. With our style, we have usually 2-3 victims, sleuthing time for the guests acting as amateur sleuths [questioning suspects, telling theories to the Detective character, examining found evidence], the Detective humorously implicates several guests as 'Red Herrings', there's the ANSWER FORM time where the participants fill out their answers [10-20 minutes right there], there's the giving out of prizes for the funniest answers and the best answer. We would need 2 hours minimum, if not more - during reception/dinner/after dinner.

2). INSTEAD OF A DINNER, CAN THE MYSTERY BE PERFORMED OVER HORS D’OEUVRES WHILE THE GUESTS ARE MULLING AROUND?

As long as the people standing can see and hear. Unlike having a band play music in the background, a mystery is only fun if they all listen, and concentrate on what's happening and what's being said. Otherwise, they're lost and bored and converse with each other about their golf game. When you add a lot of people and a lot of alcohol... it's even more crucial that they remain focussed on what we are doing and saying. The more people seated, the more successful this will be. Besides, we may need to group them as team members. If they're spread out at the bar, how will they work as a team?

3). WHAT’S BETTER FOR THIS SHOW -- A SIT-DOWN DINNER OR A BUFFET?

We’ve worked with both formats so often that either way is just fine for us. If you choose a buffet approach, please give us 20 minutes+ of pre-buffet mingling so we can have some Mystery action to kick everything off.

4). WHAT IF THE CORPORATE GROUP IS MADE UP OF SHY OR RESERVED PEOPLE?

We've done these productions for all kind of audiences. We merely adapt to how participatory they are. They can participate and interact with us as little or as much as they want. We have also managed to transform the most introverted, technically-minded, analytical types into avid amateur sleuths -- amazing their coworkers with their enthusiasm. The quiet ones really blossom when you ask them to decipher a coded message, or unravel a riddle. They take it as a challenge and become quite childlike and giddy. We've seen it happen a thousand times. But if they just want to sit and watch... we just adapt to the audience. The success of these things do not hang on whether the audience are wild and crazy types. It's all about the Detective [a stand-up comedian-type] who humorously accuses and frames members of your group. It's all about the plot, and the actors.

5). CAN A FEW PEOPLE FROM THE COMPANY ATTEND A PUBLIC SHOW FIRST TO SEE WHAT IT’S LIKE?

Absolutely! We can comp up to 2 people from your company. Others from your group can attend at a discounted price. Bear in mind that what you are seeing, however, is geared for the public -- meaning no one knows each other. A private party for you is designed for a group who knows each other very well. Clients ask, "Won't we pick out the actors right away?"... well, yes and no. Our characters might pose as guest speakers, new employees, someone's date, a hotel sales and catering person, etc. But discovering who the actors are is only Phase One of the mystery. They still have to decipher clues, subplots... plus, we will implicate many of your employees to look like possible suspects [one of them will be surprised when they are arrested at the end as the killer].

6). WHAT IF THE PRIVATE PARTY IS FOR A VERY LARGE AUDIENCE? HOW IS THE SHOW ADAPTED?

A show for 50 - 150 people is performed in a different style than a party for 175 - 500+. The larger the audience... the louder, faster, funnier the show needs to be. We are expert at adapting to the needs of the audience.

7). CAN OTHER ACTIVITIES BE OFFERED IN THE SAME AREA AS THE MURDER MYSTERY, SO THAT THE GUESTS CAN CHOOSE?

We really need to be the main focus of the audience’s attention during our playing time. Simultaneously sharing the room with caricature artists, jugglers, TVs showing a ball game, magicians, etc. causes chaos.
NOTE: We can work with a Disc Jockey quite easily, though. We simply alternate Murder Mystery action with the DJ’s dance sets.

8). CAN DOOR PRIZES OR RAFFLES OR AWARDS OR SPEECHES BE PRESENTED AT VARIOUS TIMES DURING THE SHOW?

This usually results in the audience losing their focus [on solving the mystery], and it is quite difficult to get their concentration back. Sometimes, they even forget the plot or what they need to be doing [cracking a coded message, reading an article, questioning suspects]. We are hired to entertain through action, humor and clear communication of evidence. The larger the group -- the more exciting the action must be, the funnier the humor must be, and the clearer the communication must be. If we keep stopping the action to shift gears... it is akin to watching a movie and turning off the projector every 10 minutes. It makes it hard to follow, and after a while... one doesn’t care anymore. We need about 2 hours - 2 1/2 hours of uninterrupted control of the evening. This works best during a dinner. The less chaos, the more this will be a hit. It is not like having a live band playing background music. We need them to listen, think, and observe. The last thing you want to do is bore them. For awards or prizes or speeches, we recommend you do half of them before the Murder Mystery. Then do half of them after the Murder Mystery. Let us give away our whodunit prize first, though, because it is foremost in the minds of the guests. They would have just spent about 15-20 minutes hashing out the details of the plot on paper. They really want to know the solution and who won right away.

9). IF ONE IS FINDING THEIR OWN VENUE FOR THE PARTY... WHAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF PLACE FOR THIS KIND OF SHOW?

You need to find a restaurant with a private party room, or a hotel with a private banquet space... or someone with a large home, where everyone can be in the same room at the same time -- having dinner plus seeing and hearing everything.

Ba ck to top ^

10). WHAT KIND OF THEMES ARE AVAILABLE FOR A PRIVATE PARTY?

Regarding costumed theme shows -- they are a lot more fun if most of the guests come in costume and role-play the Theme along with us. Otherwise, it's this strange situation where only the 6-8 actors are from the Historic period, and everyone else is in the 21st Century with their cell phones -- and there's an "Us" vs. "Them" / "play" vs. "audience" atmosphere... and it's a lot less interactive.Very few people want to go to the hassle of renting a costume, however...especially the men. Also, actor costume rentals force the private party quote to be increased dramatically [making our services much more expensive].

WARNING: Themes tend to come across as cheesy and schlocky. Our philosophy -- and what separates us from all the other mystery troupes -- is that we believe the rare opportunity to solve a live-action C.S.I./Law & Order-type homicide case is enough of a theme or unusual and extremely fun activity for audience members. To add another theme [like a historical time period] is to pile theme on top of theme on top of theme. Pardon the pun, but it becomes overkill and it gets campy and corny. Hence, we avoid a St. Patrick's Day mystery or a 4th of July mystery or an Old West mystery or a Roaring 20's mystery, etc.

11). BUT WHAT IF IT’S A HOLIDAY PARTY? CAN THE THEME OF THE MYSTERY BE RELATED TO THE HOLIDAY SEASON?

If you mean "Did Santa Kill Frosty The Snow Man?"... no, as the "Rolls Royce of Murder Mysteries", we don't offer that. Such costumed theme plots come off as campy, cheesy, and corny. Other mystery troupes try to do this, and their product is looked down upon by audiences. What Keith & Margo's does for Holiday parties is customize the realistic, modern-day plot to the company/organization, implicating and surprising 8 attendees as possible suspects, and arresting one of the 8 as a killer in the end. We do provide Murder Mystery Holiday mood music, and all the clues have a Holiday feel to them.

12). CAN A SCRIPT BE SELECTED BY THE CLIENT?

We have over 100 plots... and it's our policy to select our own scripts. Some story lines work better than others, and we are expert at picking just the right one. The main thing that's important is the process of having the guests act out their fantasies of being amateur sleuths, and giving them the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to conduct their own investigation into a live-action homicide case. The plots are not really as important as their experience of questioning suspects, deciphering clues, and telling their theories to the Detective.

13). CAN AN ORIGINAL SCRIPT BE WRITTEN FOR THE PARTY?

Original scripts written from scratch require an additional $2,000 to the quote and at least 2 months notice. Otherwise, we just heavily adapt existing scripts at no extra cost.

14). WHAT TIME CAN A PRIVATE PARTY START?

If it’s a Monday - Friday night party... with rush hour traffic, and actors having day jobs, and us needing to set up, and run through a few things... we couldn't start performing until 7:00 at the earliest. 7:30 or 8:00 is ideal. If it’s a Saturday - Sunday night party... any time is fine.

15). CAN THE GUESTS NOT KNOW IT’S A MYSTERY AND BE SURPRISED WHEN SOMEONE SUDDENLY “DIES”?

It may seem like a fun idea, but not telling the guests they’re going to an interactive murder mystery spells disaster... every time! Trust our years of experience on this. In this post-911 day and age, when an incognito actor pulls a realistic blank gun in a restaurant or hotel -- it can lead to law suits, heart attack or worse if there's an armed security guard nearby! Besides, it takes the guests about 45 minutes to get over the shock -- some are stunned, some are angry, and some don't participate for the rest of the evening. We feel so strongly about this issue on our side that our lawyers insist that our clients sign a waiver taking all responsibility if our warnings are ignored. On the other hand, we've found when participants are told beforehand they are doing a whodunit, they are filled with giddy anticipation, and are mentally psyched-up to be interactive, playful and audience-participatory. A COMPROMISE: All guests could be told on an interoffice memo to "expect the unexpected" and to watch their back, and to trust no one.

16). WILL ANY EXECUTIVES BEING HUMOROUSLY IMPLICATED IN THE PLOT BE EMBARRASSED, GET ANGRY OR FEEL AWKWARD?

No. The opposite is true. Other participants may be envious that they were not implicated as well. Remember, all we do is surprise these executives during the show by implicating them into the plot as suspects [i.e. during the investigation, we set them up to look suspicious... basically framing them like in a practical joke]. The Detective may mention their name, stand them up -- humorously implying that they are guilty of some plot-related felony. The whole process takes a few minutes, there is no acting required, and it’s all meant as harmless, hysterical fun.

17). WHAT IF CHILDREN ARE ATTENDING THE PRIVATE PARTY?

Some people expect this to be like a CLUE game or a Scooby Doo TV show and invite children to attend. But mysteries are about murder, and the motives for murder are not kid-friendly -- infidelity, drugs, blackmail, etc. The suspects are not always nice people. Drama requires conflict, and conflict means villains doing villainous things.

We are trying to be more in the vein of Law f Order and C.S.I.

18). IF THE PARTICIPANTS ALL KNOW EACH OTHER, WON’T IT BE TOO EASY TO SOLVE?

Clients ask, "Won't we pick out the actors right away?"... well, yes and no. Our characters might pose as guest speakers, new employees, someone's date, a hotel sales and catering person, etc. But discovering who the actors are is only Phase One of the mystery. They still have to decipher clues, subplots... plus, we will implicate many of your employees to look like possible suspects [in fact, one of them will be surprised when they are arrested at the end as the killer].

19). IF THERE’S A MYSTERY SCHEDULED FOR THE PUBLIC DINNER SHOW ON A GIVEN SATURDAY... DOES THAT MEAN A PRIVATE PARTY HAS TO BE SCHEDULED ON ANOTHER DATE?

No, you can hire us for any date [we have multiple casts/troupes of actors]. We can have 7-8 simultaneous shows on any given night... and that’s just in Dallas!

20). HOW DOES ONE BOOK A PRIVATE PARTY?

Please return to the Home Page and click on “What Are The Different Types of Murder Mysteries?” Then click on “Private”. After reading the various options, click on “Send Me a Quote”. A quote will be emailed to you. If you have questions about your quote, contact us Tuesdays through Saturdays 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM by calling Metro 972-263-5178... Ask for Robert Banks.

21). ARE THE SHOWS FUNNY?

22). WHAT IS A TYPICAL 3-HOUR PRIVATE PARTY ITINERARY?

RECEPTION

Co-workers are greeted by their Murder Mystery Host, given Intro Sheets, and mingle. Halfway through the Reception the first murder takes place.

A Homicide Detective starts a murder investigation.

LUNCH or DINNER

The action continues throughout the meal with the Detective continually working the room, interrogating and implicating many of the employees and executives (all done with a lot of humor).

Various clues are found by the group, some implicating the participants themselves.

Suspects are narrowed down.

Towards the end of dinner another murder is staged and again our detective will jump into action.

More clues are found and the investigation and humorous interrogations continue.

About this time everyone thinks they know who the murderer is. That's when we bump that person off!

ANSWER FORM

Final clues are submitted into evidence.

Employees and executives are then told they have 10-20 minutes to come up with a solution (this can be done as individual answers or team answers can be submitted).

SOLUTION

After the Host has collected all the answers, the Detective returns. The final scene is played out between the Detective and the remaining actors. In some cases, a real executive is even exposed as one of the murderers!

The Detective, logically and categorically, solves the crimes, makes his arrests and the actors all exit to wild applause.

The Host then reads the winning solutions starting with the funniest answers and ending with the best answer.

Prizes are awarded, actors are introduced.

(Please Note: Itineraries and lengths of private events vary and are subject to change)

23). CAN THE MYSTERY PARTY BE HELD OUTSIDE [A BACKYARD]?

You would need a large home with an open area [living room? den?] where everyone can be seated while dining... in the same room at the same time, The guests must be able to see and hear everything simultaneously.

Warning: Some of the least successful mystery parties have been outside. People wander away a lot, it's hard to keep them focussed. Also, it gets very dark, and it's hard to read any clues. In addition, clues are easily blown away by wind, or lost. There are a lot of Detective announcements and some dialogue which is very hard to hear outside [the wind carries the sound away]. Indoors is much, much better for what we do. We need light to read by, a way of using audio/microphones and a way to corral the guests, and help them concentrate on the "game".