Mystery dinner theater entertains unrealized detective fantasies without the grueling hours, styrofoam coffee cups, or forced small talk with Angela Lansbury. Write an excerpt to a new chapter with this Groupon.

Choose from Three Options

• $39 for an interactive murder-mystery dinner-theater performance for two (up to a $93 value)
• $72 for an interactive murder-mystery dinner-theater performance for four (up to a $186 value)
• $99 for an interactive murder-mystery dinner-theater performance for six (up to a $279 value)<p>

The Mystery Café of Indianapolis’s current show, The Ruinous Remake of the Wizard of Oz, gives audiences a behind-the-scenes look at a Broadway production of L. Frank Baum’s most famous tale. This version, however, is set in modern times, complete with absurdly contemporary touches such as a recyclable Tin Man and a vegan Cowardly Lion. The backstage antics take a turn for the worst when cast members begin disappearing, forcing spectators to solve the crime. Performances currently take place at the Milano Inn, though the location of future performances may vary. See the schedule for the dates, times, and locations of upcoming performances.<p>

The Mystery Café of Indianapolis

Started in Boston in 1990 and an Indianapolis staple since 1992, The Mystery Café delights audiences with an engaging dinner show and four-course Italian dinner. Guest sleuths enter the dining hall and have the option to undertake a fictional identity to interact with the cast of professional performers. Upon finding their seats, diners become engrossed in a comedic play in which voluntary participants receive a line to read and a high-speed jetpack to escape with should suspicion fall on them. While putting crime-fighting powers to the test in hopes of not only solving the mystery but also earning the night’s grand prize, diners put an end to hunger with savory minestrone, a tossed salad, a choice of lasagna, shells florentine, chicken parmesan, or sausage cannelloni, and spumoni for dessert.