A night of mystery

(ROCKWALL, TX — November 27, 2017) On Saturday, Nov. 18, Austin and I had the opportunity to use our best detective skills at a Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre out in Royse City.

“Dismay in a Manger” is a comedy and a mystery with some old western flair. The cast traveled from the Texas Star Dinner Theatre in Grapevine to perform at Royse City’s Occasions at Stone River venue.

Dinner was served complete with an open bar as the evening began. We heaped our plates with garlic mashed potatoes, stuffed chicken, and buttery rolls.

As we finished up our food, the cast began to make their first appearances in full costume. We were greeted by Marshall Jim Courtright, our host for the evening, Reverend Rudolph, a reluctant minister, Jubal Tucker, a sketchy stagecoach driver, Holly, a promiscuous “madam,” and Carolyn Yates, an uptight socialite. Each character interacted with the crowd throughout the evening, and they weren’t afraid to crack some jokes at our expense!

Between Acts One and Two, we treated ourselves to an enormous buffet of different cheesecakes. Between Acts Two and Three, we were able to gather our final clues by interviewing each suspect ourselves at our table. I love a good mystery—I’ve read more Agatha Christie novels than I can count—so I was determined to solve the crime. Fortunately, my inner investigative journalist didn’t fail me: Austin and I named the guilty suspect! Don’t worry, we won’t share any spoilers.

The next “Dismay in a Manger” show is Friday, Dec. 8, and there are only a few tickets left. The good news is, amateur detectives will have another chance for sleuthing when the Texas Star cast returns with a brand new show at Occasions at Stone River on Feb. 17.

By Julie Anne Wells, Blue Ribbon News.

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