Dinner theater show keeps guests guessing

'Marriage Can Be Murder' creator changes script, cast and themes every three months

Steve Spatafore/SPECIAL TO VIEWEric Post, creator, writer and star of "Marriage Can Be Murder," questions witnesses to the murder during a show at Fitzgeralds. Advertisement

What's more fun than a night on the town filled with faux murder and mayhem? Well, nothing.

And it's that sentiment that the folks over at the murder-mystery dinner show "Marriage Can Be Murder" count on. The production celebrated 10 years in Las Vegas last month.

The two-hour show at Fitzgeralds is an interactive experience in which audience members mingle and interview possible suspects while enjoying a three-course meal. The meal includes a salad, a choice of three entrees and dessert.

As the body count rises, the faux-sleuths attempt to solve the crimes.

When murder, intrigue and deception are on the menu, one can never be too careful.

According to Eric Post, the show's star, creator, writer and director, the joy of observing audience members unravel the puzzle is the best part of the evening.

Fueling the mass paranoia, actors are inconspicuously seated at tables throughout the crowd, each with his or her own backstory.

"Part of the fun is that you don't know who you're seated with," he said. "It could be the killer or the next victim. Everyone is a suspect."

Cast member Jayne Post has been a part of the show since its conception more than 10 years ago. Through the years, playing the role of air-headed hostess Dee Dee has been an evolving process.

"I would say that the show is about 40 percent scripted and 60 percent improvised," she said. "As an actress, you have to be comfortable in a lot of capacities. The show is always changing. But interacting with the crowd and feeding off their energy is definitely what keeps it fun."

Las Vegas resident Amy Chasey said she has seen the show before, but she enjoyed the way it has changed over time.

"You think you have it figured out, but it's all an illusion," she said. "That's what I think is so fun about it."

Chasey said she also enjoys the one-liners delivered off-the-cuff by Jayne Post.

"She keeps things really lively," Chasey said.

According to Eric Post, the production is more than an original murder-mystery theater experience; it is the only production of its kind in Las Vegas.

"We change the show every three months," he said. "While there are shows that have a similar concept, we are the only interactive dinner theater experience."

Eric Post said that every few months, in an effort to keep the show fresh, he hires new actors, overhauls the script and changes the theme.

"We want people to be able to come back again and again," he said.

"Marriage Can Be Murder" plays at 6 p.m. seven days a week at Fitzgeralds, 301 Fremont St. Tickets are $60.45 to $76.95 and can be purchased at the door or by calling 388-2111.

Contact North Las Vegas and Downtown View reporter Amanda Llewellyn at allewellyn@viewnews.com or 380-4535.

IF YOU WANT TO GO

* What: "Marriage Can Be Murder"

* When: 6 p.m. daily

* Where: Fitzgeralds, 310 Fremont St.

* Tickets: $60.45 to $76.95

* Information: 388-2111