GreenMan Theatre's original interactive murder mystery dinner theatre production was written by Carolyn Thomas-Davidoff and Carl Zeitler. The doors open an hour early for a cash bar. A family-style dinner is served. At the end of the evening, audience members are awarded prizes for suggesting the best solution to the mystery.
"How the West Was Done In" takes place on a 1960s Hollywood western movie set. The veteran director and his crew are behind schedule as they deal with jealous and egotistical actors as well as two British hippies who wander onto the set. Amid the chaos, someone ends up dead. Before the Hollywood detective reveals the guilty party, the audience will play sleuth and see if they can guess who committed the crime.
"How the West Was Done In" is a spoof of Hollywood, the 1960s, and classic westerns such as "True Grit," "Blazing Saddles," "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance," and "High Noon," among others. The show features several musical and dance numbers to help entertain the audience, who will enjoy a full course family style dinner and an interactive style of theater during the performance. The audience is encouraged to dress up in western garb or as flower children and become "extras." Prizes go to the best costumed audience member as well as those who solve the crime correctly.
This popular event often sells out early, so make your reservations now. Come out for great entertainment value as you enjoy a full show and several course meal with free parking for only $50. GreenMan Theatre's fundraisers allow them to produce shows and offer theatre education in Elmhurst, so your patronage helps support the local arts.
"How the West Was Done In" will run for five performances in the banquet room at Angelo's Ristorante at 247 N. York in Elmhurst. Show dates are Feb. 17-18-24-25-26. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7 p.m. and the Sunday performance begins at 6 p.m. Doors open an hour before showtime for a cash bar as the characters mingle with the audience. Reservations can be made at greenmantheatre.com or by calling (630) 464-2646.
"How the West Was Done In" features Lauren Anders, Marilyn Connolly, Mario D'Agostino, Vicky Giannani, James Harper, Lynn Sciaraffa Homeier, Tom Hughes, Alissa King, Stan Kosek, Grace Martinez, Shazad Mehta, Jerry Moore, Heather Northway, Elizabeth Owsley, Alice Rebecchi, Dan Rocha, Carl Zeitler, and Jim Zervas.
