The witching hour is upon us. It is just the right time of year to gain some firsthand experience in solving…a murder! Who done it? And why? Find out by participating in a murder mystery dinner at Overlook Mansion Bed and Breakfast located in Reading’s Centre Park Historic District.
BCL staffers and a few guests had an opportunity to experience Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way, one of three themed Mystery at the Mansion experiences offered by innkeepers Daphne Dee Miller and Paul Strause. Get the inside scoop on this evening of suspense…without our giving too much away.
GET INTO CHARACTER!
Prior to the evening, participants receive a character description in which they learn about their relationships to the recently deceased and a few of the other guests.
You’ll need to dress the part by coming up with a costume that best represents your new persona for the night. “I tried to get into the mindset of an attorney before arriving at the mansion,” explains BCL Associate Publisher Robyn Jones, who played Attorney Clay. “I observed a few lawyers on TV to copy their moves and I tried to phrase statements like I thought a lawyer would. I wore business attire and I borrowed an old school briefcase from my dad to complete the look.”
“I made sure my outfit screamed nurse, from my scrubs to my nametag,” says Melissa Rose, BCL Art Director. “I wanted to be legit.”
LET’S SOLVE A CRIME!
For the best experience, Daphne recommends guests come open minded and without any preset expectations.
Participants are asked to arrive at 6:20pm and wait outside the mansion until they are welcomed into the B&B, which was built in 1873 for the Sternbergh family. Guests receive a second piece of paper with more information about their character and what occurred the day of the murder.
Each guest is soon interrogated by a police officer. Suspects are encouraged to ad-lib beyond the information they are provided. “We just give people facts about their characters, but guests have the opportunity to be creative. Be who you want to be for a night and let loose!” says Daphne.
And guests do! People you typically may think of as quiet come into their own playing their part. “I was really nervous thinking about how I was going to portray my character, but as the night went on and everyone else was in character, it was easy to just go with it and have fun,” says Elizabeth Beebe, BCL Account Executive.
“The experience got better and better. The ad-libbing was great! It was sometimes hard to stay in character and to keep from laughing!” Robyn adds.
Overlook’s staff, who also participate as characters, guide guests through the mansion as they attempt to learn more about the murder and everyone else’s relationship to the dearly departed. Participants discover an interesting web of relationships and learn there are multiple motives and possible modes of murder.
“Although I was initially nervous about the experience, I found myself a tad jealous of those who had a bit more to say and do,” shares Nikki Murry, BCL Editor-in-Chief. “Those with bigger parts really got into it, and I found myself wanting to mix it up a bit more.”
A dinner buffet, dessert and coffee are served as guests continue to gather clues. Then each guest has an opportunity to make an accusation of the who, why and how of the murder. After some additional conversation and the reading of the will, the criminal is finally revealed, cuffed and carted off by the police.
“A highlight of the night was the laughter. I think it was a great relationship-building experience for everyone. I also loved listening to all the ‘who dunnit’ guesses,” says Nikki.
BCL freelancers Jeff and Betsy Woytovich also had a chance to play a role in the mystery adventure.
“I was hesitant about going into the evening, but it was really a lot of fun. Betsy and I plan to do it again,” Jeff shares.
“Everyone lights me up and makes me smile. Time and time again, my face hurts at the end of the night from all the laughter,” Daphne says.
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT!
Other mystery dinners offered for private groups at Overlook Mansion are Hey Big Daddy! The Roaring ‘20s and Class of 1954: The Reunion of Peggy Sue and Billy. Get together a group of 12 to 24 friends, family members or coworkers for an evening of intrigue, which typically lasts two to three hours depending on the size of the group.
Daphne says groups have held mystery dinners as surprise birthday parties, bachelorette parties (where some ladies dress for the male characters) or just to get together for a fun, unique experience. Mystery at the Mansion is offered year-round. The cost for the mystery and dinner is just $34 a person. BYOB is allowed.
Overlook is also a beautiful location for an overnight getaway and is available for tea socials, private parties, baby and bridal showers or any special occasion.
OVERLOOK MANSION BED AND BREAKFAST | 620 Centre Ave., Reading | 610.371.9173 | overlookmansionbedandbreakfast.com
BY KRISTIN KRAMER | PHOTOS BY HEIDI REUTER
