When one asks most teenage girls what they want to do for their 16th birthday, a Murder Mystery Party isn’t exactly what comes to mind. Yes, it’s a lot of work, but luckily, I had a mother willing to help me plan the craziest party. To begin, it’s important to find a plot that fits well with the group of people you’re wanting to invite.
The plot that I went with was one for a large group of people who would be willing to go all out for their characters. I also wanted all the characters to be 1950’s Hollywood actors and actresses so everyone had to come dressed up as their person. This meant that everyone had to know who they were before they came. The theme was Lights, Camera, Murder and the backstory was…(deep, scary voice)
It is 1959, and after a night of accolades at the Academy Awards Show, you will attend the star-studded after-party hosted by the one and only, Marilyn Monroe. While socializing and schmoozing with the 1950’s Hollywood elite, careers will be made, secrets will be revealed, scandals will be broken, and homicide will happen. With a VIP victim and celebrity suspects, you will be called upon to find the criminal by cracking this red carpet caper. As the night unfolds, so will a web of lies and scandals intricately woven to point you to a killer. It is up to you to uncover the clues or the culprit will remain concealed. Come walk the blood-red carpet and enjoy a night of secrets, celebrities, and scandal.
To avoid the issue of character no-shows, once a person received the invitation and confirmed that they were coming, that’s when they received an envelope. Inside the envelope was their character bio, the rules of the game, page 6 of a Hollywood tabloid with the Award Show Showdown, and a list of things each would have to accomplish before dinner.
Before I go any further, this kind of party isn’t for everyone. I’m a theater kid and I am friends with other theater kids—kids willing to put on a show. Everyone arrived dressed according to their role and were in character the moment they walked through the door.
Judy Garland played by Cara Ellman, Photo by Sheila Wegenka
The setting: A large group of famous actors, directors, and musicians had all gathered to attend an elite post-Oscar party hosted by Marilyn Monroe. Everyone checked in at the door and received another envelope they were not to open until after dinner. There were tasks that every person had to complete before we dined, so immediately upon arrival, everything was fair game. It was marvelous; everyone easily settled into their role. In fact, I got so into my character—I was playing Marilyn Monroe—that someone had to call me by my real name in order to know they weren’t speaking about the game.
Marilyn Monroe played by Natalie Frerking, Photo by Shelia Wegenka
The premise of the game was that Billy Wilder would be making an important announcement regarding the casting of his upcoming film, A Fallen Angel, following the Oscars.
The film is slated to be a huge hit, which Billy is personally funding. Some speculate that the director is waiting to see who will take home an Oscar before making a final decision. Others think that Alma Hitchcock, the casting director, has already solicited Elizabeth Taylor for the lead female role.
Alma Hitchcock played by Mallory Maggi and Billy Wilder played by Carter Jameson, Photo by Shelia Wegenka
Nothing was historically accurate, but where’s the fun in that? Let’s just say that every secret was uncovered, and there was some juicy gossip. To make sure no one did or said anything until the right time, no one was allowed to talk about what they had discovered during dinner. But just as Billy Wilder was about to make the announcement that Natalie Wood would be playing the lead in his new film, Ms. Wood fell over dead!
Natalie Wood, played by Hannah Ceselski, dies and the guests react with shock! Photo by Sheila Wegenka
It’s a murder mystery party so everyone knew someone was going to die, but just who the unlucky character was, was quite a surprise. Certain information was very valuable; everyone wanted to know who had killed her and why. But first, dinner!
After dinner, as the emcee of the party, I read the rules of the game: Everyone had an envelope in front of them that contained more information their characters could use. We had three prizes: one for who solved the mystery, one for who acquired the most “money,” and one for who was voted the best player. Guests could mingle, bribe, and blackmail other characters to find out the information they needed. Once a person discovered—or thought they discovered—who the culprit was, they would reveal the character to my mother, who would confirm or deny their suspicions.
Guests in character, Photo by Shelia Wegenka
Everyone immediately dove into the plot and began spinning tales about other characters. Some refused to share any of their secrets unless the inquirer relinquished all their money. Others were content with a good piece of gossip, and some turned to blackmail. This went on for around an hour before my mother confirmed the correct character as the assassin. Sean Connery—the detective on the case—revealed the murderer to the shocked guests and made the arrest. We all took inventory of the “money” we were left with and gave our votes for the best player in the game. After everything had been collected, all three winners were announced.
Sean Connery played by Bailey Diehl, Photo by Shelia Wegenka
The whole night was a lot of fun and all my friends said it was one of the best parties they had ever been to. It’s a lot of work but the end results are amazing! Check out this article for more tips on throwing a Murder Mystery Party!
Want to throw your own Murder Mystery Party? Let the professionals on GigSalad entertain your guests!
Natalie loves creating, reading, and talking about film and TV.
For a Sweet 16th birthday, plenty of space, October 3rd in Durham, NC. Would it be possible to get this booked?
Hi Tjuana, thanks for reaching out! Please email us at help@gigsalad.com or call 417-889-9909 so we can help you submit a quote to your local vendors. We look forward to hearing from you!