An interactive dinner theater the Putnam Chamber of Commerce hosts every year will once again enthrall audiences with the “Flip Flops and Hula Skirts” theme filled with mystery and murder. For those who like to dig into drama while they dig into their food, the murder mystery will be filled with whodunit questions and plenty of laughs along the way.

Bonnie Simmons, the Tourism and Special Events Coordinator for the Putnam Chamber of Commerce, has been working behind the scenes and as a hostess for the dinner theater since it began four years ago.

“When people purchase their tickets for the evening, everyone will receive an ‘Island Review,’ which is a mock-newspaper explaining the characters for the evening. At some point in the evening, someone will ‘die.’ You don’t know who dies or who has purchased the assassin’s ticket until that night,” Simmons said. “The goal is to interact with people throughout the evening to figure out who the killer is.”

Themes over the past three years have included Western, Academy Awards, and Roaring Twenties. This year, the island theme is sure to bring thoughts around to warmer and more tropical weather.

“This is an interactive dinner,” Simmons said. “Your ticket is your character. There are different major and minor characters available to play. You can sit back and enjoy a drink as well as be involved. It is such a fun night.”

Attendees are encouraged to make their character choices before purchase, as major characters are limited. Everyone involved receives envelopes with clues. The evening is literally a live-action, interactive Clue game. The evening is $35 per ticket, which includes a full dinner and dessert, as well as the opportunity to play detective or villain. A cash bar will be available.

“The menu will have a luau flair to it. We are happy to accommodate any special dietary needs. Just let us know when you purchase the ticket. This is the perfect event for a group of people. We can package eight tickets together per table,” Simmons said.

The murder mystery will take place on Friday, March 11, and an encore night Sat., March 12. Attendees are encouraged to dress the part of their character, as there is a prize for the best-dressed diner.

“We also vote on the best actor who stayed in character, as well as give out a prize for who has the most pretend money at the end of the game. It is encouraged to bribe and steal as much pretend money as you can to earn this prize,” Simmons said.

The Chamber wanted something a little different to entertain the community. None of the neighboring communities were hosting an interactive dinner theater, and the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce decided to attempt the theater to rave reviews. The dinner and show sells out every year. Tickets went on sale Feb. 1. Help solve the crime, enjoy dinner, dancing and a costume contest at 7 p.m. at The Plaza Arts Center. Tickets can be purchased at the Chamber office for $35, or over the phone.  

“I love watching everything play out. People don’t break character until the night is over. It is a great night and I hope that everyone will give it a try. It’ll be a night of fun.”