The Great Gatsby- Murder Mystery Dinner
I love the game Clue. My mom taught me to play when I was around 6 years old and it's been my favorite game ever since. All this is to say, Casey came home two nights ago and asked "do you want to go to a murder mystery dinner?" Wait, what? Did I hear him right?! YES! Of course I want to do that. That's basically my childhood fantasy meeting adult reality. Even better, when I looked up the specifics, I found out it was going to be Great Gatsby themed. Which, if you haven't read it or seen the movie, is such a bittersweet love story written by the great F. Scott Fitzgerald. I crossed my fingers I would get the role of a key player, such as Daisy Buchanan! Even though, in all reality, I hate the spotlight and get incredibly nervous at the very thought of acting.
Here's how the night played out...
Upon arrival at the Victorian Country, we were greeted with a warm smile and friendly handshake by the owner. He ushered us inside, took our coats, and gave us the run down of the evening. After signing the guest book we were given our parts. Casey was cast as Henry Ford Jr., son of the car legend. I, on the other hand, was cast as Ms. Mary Wolfshine (AKA Miss Merry Shine), a prominent figure in organized crime stemming from bootlegging. Miss Shine was known as a friend to Gatsby's, but not just any friend, a close friend that helped him to earn his fortune through bootlegging illegal liquor. Miss Shine continued her close ties with Gatsby as well as spend her free time entertaining herself and others as a flapper in a local Speakeasy. Casting cards in hand, we were escorted to the changing rooms. I was in Gatsby heaven! Peals, feathers, flapper dresses, oh my. I must have tried on five or six dresses before I found one that fit-- word of the (now) wise, bring a variety of undergarments such as a strapless bra, slip, stockings, and a change of shoes if you want to have a successful costume fitting (and stay warm). Fifteen minutes later I emerged and stepped into the Roarin' 20's with my secret lover, Mr. Ford.
If you've ever seen the movie Clue (or played the game) you would know that a murder happens at the beginning of the game and it's everyone's job to solve the mystery throughout the evening through a series of clues and revelations. This set-up was a little bit different... Each person was provided an envelope and inside the enveloped contained two clues. Each person opened their first clue after the salad course of dinner. The cards were played out by each cast member, which more or less turned out to be social speaking topics and less clue-like than expected. After the first scene, the main course was brought out followed by dessert. The cupcakes were so delicious and definitely hit the spot. After dessert each member opened their second clue and the scene was once again acted out. Somewhere in the middle of this scene, a few key players left the room and just as everyone began to notice, the lights went out and the screaming commenced. When the lights returned, none other than Tom Buchanan lay on the floor, dead. After much deliberation the Private Investigator determined the murderer to be The Great Gatsby. who could no longer take the late Tom being married to the love of his life. But don't worry, Gatsby has many friends and it wasn't long before his beloved and her best friend bailed him from jail...
Overall, we had fun. It was a unique adventure that we shared together. We found ourselves laughing often and recounting the evening the whole ride home. While it was a little less of an unsolved mystery of 'Who Done It' than we were expecting, we couldn't deny the fun we had and the hospitality we were shown. The evening ended with fireworks, hot tea, and a genuine feeling of happiness. Sometimes fun, adventure, and memories are found at the dinner table full of strangers tossing around quick witted come backs and outfitted in 20's style attire.
