A good performance, whether that be a movie, play, or TV series, knows how to keep its audience engaged. Well-written characters, little-to-no plot holes, and consistency, to name just a few. Sometimes, if done right, this creation keeps our eyes glued to it as a result, like we’re part of the story.
Murder Mystery Ottawa takes that last part literally when presenting “Hari-Karaoke—Murder Mystery Popcorn Theatre.”
Manny Wicke, the owner of Greezy Lagoon, hosts the first annual Golden Voice Karaoke Contest, where he’ll be giving away a $100,000 recording contract to the winning contestant. But it’s never that simple, now is it? It’s a murder mystery: someone HAS to die!
Murder Mystery Ottawa: knock’em dead with award-winning mysteries since 1992!
Competing for the big prize will be beer truck driver Kirk Wheeler, would-be movie star Trudy Jewel, a former-housewife-now-steamy-songstress Carmen SanDiego, and the Golden Boy himself—Davey Nantucket. Oh, and The Greezy Lagoon staff? Don’t let them bother you—they treat everyone that way. The everyday person may think of them as “unusual,” but I like to see them as “unique” and “not at all something to worry about.”
But this isn’t all sunshine and giggles and singing along to your favourite competitor. I mentioned a murder, didn’t I? There’s a killer at large—a body is bound to drop when you least expect it. You won’t just be dancing and cheering to the show, but also play detective as you try to figure out whodunit. Kind of like you’re part of the performance—oh, wait.
Photo provided.
“Not to sound cliche but honestly, it’s ELECTRIC! The audience is almost a character in our show and we pump up the crowd with comedic interaction and musical numbers because their reaction to each of our characters’ performances in the ‘First Annual Golden Voice Karaoke Competition’ is the deciding factor on who wins the contest,” says Pete Dillon, founder and owner of BigTime Murder Productions. “We love our audience members, and it’s not unusual for guests to hug the actors as they leave.”
The event is on Saturday, March 25 in the showroom upstairs at The Prescott restaurant. The doors open at 7:30pm, and the show starts at 8pm, running until 10pm. Free popcorn will be served during the show.
Photo provided.
“As the founder and owner of the company and director of the show, I’m also blessed to be able to play ‘Manny Wicke’—the ‘prepriorter’ of the Greezy Lagoon and host of the contest,” says Dillon. “Preparing for this show means not only memorizing the blocking of the show and knowing the scripted elements of the production, but also knowing the comedic backstory of the character so you’re ready to naturally interact with guests in a comedic improv manner while staying within the bounds of the show and the mystery.”
He’d also like to note that the performance is safe to bring the whole family to, as it doesn’t contain any bad language or blue humour—mainly word-play and innuendoes, but never truly crossing the line.
“From an actor’s perspective, this is unlike any other show I’ve ever performed in,” says actor and singer Erin McNamara, who plays Carmen SanDiego in the show. “The improv element is thrilling and really keeps us on our toes. Every show is different because every audience is different. The actors are tight-knit and we really rely on each other to work together to provide an excellent experience for our audience. It’s a truly rewarding moment at the end of every show to see that the audience loved it as much as we did. I’m grateful to be part of this amazing production—it’s so much fun!”
Photo provided.
Can’t make it? Hold your tears: Murder Mystery Ottawa’s got another show date on April 15. Same time, location, and ticket pricing.
“[Expect] a high-energy, unforgettable experience that is like nothing our guests have ever experienced before,” says Dillon. “This fast-paced show will have everyone in the crowd cheering, jeering, laughing and singing along as the mystery unfolds in front of them.”
Hari-Karoke—Murder Mystery Popcorn Theatre will be in the showroom upstairs in The Prescott restaurant (379 Preston Street in Little Italy). For tickets and show information, visit Murder Mystery Ottawa online.
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