The Pleasures of a Murder Mystery by Sylvia S. Cutler
June 23, 1997
It is a tribute to Washingtonians that they can still enjoy simple and modest entertainments with a great deal of enthusiasm. That this is the most simplistic of entertainments, and has been thriving for some twenty years, makes one realize that the more things change, the more they stay the same.
Mystery on the Menu is a company headed by Barbara Fox of Washington, DC, that has been existence for nearly twenty years. With a varied group of actors, and dozen or more different scenarios, they are prepared to present a mystery evening, a mystery weekend, or a mystery trip by train or bus. The mystery business has developed to the extent that there are several such groups in the area, constantly at the ready to entertain.
On a recent evening a companion and I saw A Deadly Marriage at Mama's Restaurant, 9715 Lee Highway, Fairfax, Virginia, and enjoyed a very traditional Washington evening--dinner and a murder.
Elizabeth Crandall, a noted Washington hostess (Fox) is hosting a soiree' for her good friend Senator Daniel Drewnell, to celebrate his marriage to Marcia Purcell. Of course, Elizabeth had herself expected to marry her long time friend, but being a good sport, she decided to put a good face on it. Attending were Jonathan Davies, Drewnell's campaign manager, T. Adams, a newspaper reporter, Danny Drew, his rock star son, and a host of friends and associates--all of us--about thirty or forty. Marcia is a stunning blonde, years younger than Drewnell; a little naive (as a guide at the Capitol, she was unaware of the rotunda), but still a charming young woman. The reporter wants to know about their future plans. Drewnell had announced his plans to retire and his young bride was looking forward to a simple and peaceful life, travel, seeing friends. But Drewnell announces he will run for another term. Shockwaves resound throughout the room as each person reacts to this news in a different way. A shot rings out and finds its victim. The "police" are called and respond the call. Now it's up to the police and us, to find the victim, who fired the shot, and why.
Clues are passed around--bits of paper denying the existence of desktop publishing; and those of us seated at round tables join with the others of our group to discuss the clues. "The Bride's Book" is circulated; a cryptogram is passed around. Questions are shouted out.
Since life must go on, dinner is in the meantime served. And it is a buffet provided by Mama's--salad bar (the lettuce was wet, the dressings were thick and gummy); pizza (room temperature); rigatoni (lightly dressed with tomatoes and not very warm); overcooked frozen mixed vegetables (not too bad, considering); chicken (stewed, overcooked and underseasoned); coffee; and later, small squares of commercial sheet cake.
Two and a half hours after the beginning, is the ending. Now, why should I tell you? It'll spoil the fun. However, just a hint it is typical of Washington?
I was trying to figure out how the company could justify a price of $39 per person and snatched a copy of the take-out menu. This modest establishment on Lee Highway advertises home cooking. Their pastas go for $5.95 to $6.95. A dish of chicken is $6.95, and Veal Ala Marsala or Parmigiana is $9.95. You can order pasta entrees for four for $15.95, and the salad bar is $2.95 per pound.
What you get is the chance to participate in a game, meet some interesting new people, enjoy a lot of laughs, and get involved in mayhem. While I did enjoy the evening, it was not the smoothest, or sophisticated performance I've ever seen. But it was good for a laugh or two!
If you're interested in booking Mystery on the Menu or if you want to know where and when the next performance will be held, phone Barbara Fox at 202-333-6875. Or if you want to make a reservation at Mama's, call 703-385-9775. They also take fax orders--703-691-8673.