- I've never been to a Murder Mystery Dinner Show. How does it work?
- What does the ticket include?
- What does the venue look like and is it wheelchair accessible?
- Do I have to participate in the show?
- What is the minimum age?
- How far in advance do I need to make reservations?
- How much is the individual ticket?
- What do you serve? Entrees? Desserts?
- Is it fun?
- How does the seating work?
- How do I know if I've purchased "good" seats?
- What time does the show start & what time should I arrive?
- How long is the show?
- Where is your venue located?
- Where do I park?
- What is the dress code?
- What do I need to bring?
- What is your refund/cancellation policy?
- What are the packages?
- What is the Gift Package?
- What is the Celebration Package?
- What is the Romance Package?
- Is it good for birthdays, anniversaries, dates and special occasions?
- Do you produce shows for private parties?
I've never been to a Murder Mystery Dinner Show. How does it work?
It is a four-course sit-down dinner in which each guest is allowed to choose their own entree and dessert. In between each course of the meal, we have another part of the show. The show is an interactive and improvised comedic murder mystery set in the present day. None of our performers are dressed in costume, but instead are dressed just like everyone else; therefore you do not know who is a part of the show and who isn't.
The show takes place throughout the entire room, and performers may actually be seated at your table, so part of the fun from the beginning is trying to figure out who's involved in the crime and who's not. Throughout the night, murders and mayhem will occur, hidden clues will come forth and our Detectives will help everyone try to solve the crime. In the end, we have a prize package for the guest who comes closest to solving the crime.
What does the ticket include?
Every murder mystery admission ticket includes: a wonderful harbor cruise, an interrogation reception, tray passed hors d’oeuvres, fresh Italian bread, a mixed baby greens salad, your choice from four entrees, your choice from two desserts, free refills on all soda and iced tea (once the beverage has been purchased), coffee after dinner, wait staff gratuity for food service (gratuity for beverage service not included), and prizes for the top sleuth who solves the crime. We also have a full bar in the event you would like to purchase cocktails.
What does the venue look like and is it wheelchair accessible?
We hold our weekly public Murder Mystery Dinner Shows and many of our private shows in The Witness Room which is on the 3rd deck of the Grand Romance authentic paddle wheel boat in the city of Long Beach. Due to its age and authenticity, the boat IS NOT wheelchair accessible and guests must walk up two flights of stairs to get to our private third deck.
Do I have to participate in the show?
No, you do not. Customers are not required to perform in any way, but because our murder mystery performers are not dressed up in costume, the audience will not know if you are a part of the show or not and may interact with and possibly interrogate you on their own.
What is the minimum age?
Due to the interactive and somewhat unpredictable nature of our shows, children under 15 are not permitted, and adult supervision is required.
How far in advance do I need to make reservations?
The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery public shows do sell out every Saturday (sometimes a week before, sometimes the day of the show) so we encourage our guests to make reservations and buy their tickets as soon as possible.
How much is the individual ticket?
The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery individual tickets are $78.95 (tax not included) and the group rate for parties of 40 or more is $3 off per person. Please note that large parties must purchase 40 or more tickets at a time and cannot receive the large party rate if all tickets are purchased individually or tickets are added to an already large party. Pricing is subject to change and does increase during the December holidays.
What do you serve? Entrees? Desserts?
Vegetarian Lasagna, Baked Atlantic Salmon, Beef Tri-Tip or Chicken Wellington. For dessert we have New York Strawberry Cheesecake or Warm Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream.
Is it fun?
Yes! The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show was voted 2007 and 2008 Best Dinner Show by FOX 11, Good Day LA and Good Morning LA. We do sell out every Saturday night and have received numerous rave reviews by a variety of publications. Almost all of our business is from word of mouth, so we assume we are doing something right. We have reviews and testimonials on our website under REVIEWS.
How does the seating work?
Everyone has assigned seats at 8 person round banquet style tables. If your party is larger than 8, then we ask you to let us know how you would like us to divide up your party, or else we will divide you up evenly and seat your two parties next to each other.
How do I know if I've purchased "good" seats?
Since there is no set stage and the action happens all around you, all of our seats are center stage! Our performers make an effort to ensure all guests are equally involved and engaged in solving the crime.
What time does the show start & what time should I arrive?
The show will start promptly at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Doors will open at 6:15 for check-in. On Thursday and Friday the show will start 90 minutes later at 8:00 and check in will be at 7:45.
How long is the show?
About 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Where is your venue located?
The Grand Romance is located at 200 Aquarium Way Rainbow Harbor Dock #4, Long Beach, CA 90803. Their phone number is (562) 628-1600. The boat is is just off of Shoreline Drive in Long Beach and is directly across from Outback Steakhouse.
Where do I park?
There is valet parking in front of Outback Steakhouse or you can self park in the structure next to the Aquarium.
What is the dress code?
Business casual or dressy casual is absolutely required. No T-shirts, shorts, baseball caps or torn clothes are permissible.
What do I need to bring?
Besides your confirmation page, we will provide you with everything you will need to solve the mystery.
What is your refund/cancellation policy?
Just like any other theater or dinner show, all sales are final. Due to the limited seating capacity and our fixed costs with the venue, we are unable to refund money once reservations have been made.
What are the packages?
They are bundled money-saving items that are bought in addition to the individual admission. The packages are purchased on a per-package basis and are not charged on a per-person basis (e.g., if a party of four buys a Celebration Package, there will be a one time charge of $34.95 added to their bill).
What is the Gift Package?
In addition to the individual admission, a purchased Gift Package includes a special commemorative Dinner Detective stainless steel coffee mug, a special commemorative Dinner Detective Murder Mystery T-shirt, and a special Dinner Detective Murder Mystery surprise, which allows you to get a member of your party involved in the show without them knowing beforehand. Because our performers are not dressed up in costume, we will use your guest as a red herring to trick the audience into believing they are involved in the plot in one way or another. So as not to ruin the surprise, we only reveal how we do it once the package is purchased. This package has a one time fee of $29.95 per package, not per person.
What is the Celebration Package?
In addition to the individual admission, a purchased Celebration Package includes a bottle of wine of your choice or two well drinks from the bar, a special commemorative Dinner Detective T-shirt, and a special Dinner Detective Murder Mystery surprise, which allows you to get a member of your party involved in the show without them knowing beforehand. Because our performers are not dressed up in costume, we will use your guest as a red herring to trick the audience into believing they are involved in the plot in one way or another. So as not to ruin the surprise, we only reveal how we do it once the package is purchased. This package has a one time fee of $34.95 per package, not per person.
What is the Romance Package?
In addition to the individual admission, a purchased Romance Package includes a bottle of champagne, a special commemorative Dinner Detective T-shirt, and a special Dinner Detective Murder Mystery surprise, which allows you to get a member of your party involved in the show without them knowing beforehand. Because our performers are not dressed up in costume, we will use your guest as a red herring to trick the audience into believing they are involved in the plot in one way or another. So as not to ruin the surprise, we only reveal how we do it once the package is purchased. This package has a one time fee of $39.95 per package, not per person.
Is it good for birthdays, anniversaries, dates and special occasions?
Definitely! We specialize in celebrations and special occasions. We handle about three to four birthdays per show and are always having couples join us along with families, friends, co-workers and acquaintances. For special occasions, we offer special packages which come with various gifts. In addition, you will also have the opportunity for a special Dinner Detective Murder Mystery surprise, which allows you to get a member of your party involved in the show without them knowing beforehand. Because our performers are not dressed up in costume, we will use them as a red herring to trick the audience into believing they are involved in the plot in one way or another. Once purchased, we will send you a confirmation email which will tell you everything you need to know regarding how we get them involved and what we will need from you on your end.
Do you produce shows for private parties?
Yes! We specialize in and produce corporate functions on a regular basis. Please contact our box office at (866) 496-0535 and ask for private party sales, or click here to download a corporate PDF information packet.
