It’s one of Orlando’s real hidden gems. A dinner theatre show that’s entertained literally hundreds of thousands of tourists since it first opened its doors back in 1980,
Which show am I talking about? Sleuths Mystery Dinner Theatre. Voted the “Best Dinner Show” of 2008 by the readers of the Orlando Sentinel, Sleuths is a 2 1/2 hour-long scripted comic mystery that features plenty of improvisation and audience participation.
“So what’s a typical evening at this dinner theatre like?,”
you ask. Well, you see, that’s the thing. Sleuths features fourteen different shows in
constant rotation. This means that it’s
highly unlikely that you’ll ever catch the same show twice whenever you drop by 8267
International Boulevard.
Copyright 2008 Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows
But – that being said – an evening at Sleuths Mystery Dinner
Theatre typically starts out in the gift shop that’s located next to the
actual theater. Here, you check-in. And then – as you wander around, checking
out all of the mystery-themed merchandise on display here – you can then help
yourself to some hot & cold hors d’oeurves while interacting with a few of the colorful characters who will soon
be onstage next door.
That’s the real charm of Sleuths. This is interactive dinner
theater. Which means that it’s up to
you, your friends & family to solve the crime that’s about to happen. And
this murder will happen right in front of you. So keep your eyes open, because
you’ll soon be asked to provide questions for the lead investigator. Not to mention
sifting through clues before you then get to vote on “who’dun’it?”
But don’t go expecting that a Sleuths Mystery Dinner Theatre show
will be all that easy to solve. You see, the show’s six member cast isn’t going
to be all that helpful. They’re typically Disney & Universal veterans who –
after spending years performing in front of hundreds of thousands of people at
the theme parks – can think on their feet. These folks are quick with the quips
and highly skilled at misdirection. More importantly, they never ever break
character.
Which must be kind of daunting. Given the huge number of characters
that these actors have to learn how to play. In “Lord Mansfield’s Fox Hunt
Banquet,” they’re upper class Brits gathering for a festive meal when one of
their number then runs afoul of the law. In “Kim & Scott Tie the Knot,” the
cast plays this group of boisterous Italians whose wedding plans go astray when
a microchip goes missing. In “The Premiere,” Hollywood comes to Orlando, but
not in a good way. As these “B” movie actors will soon need your help in order to
solve “A” murder mystery.
Copyright 2008 Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows
Mind you, while all this craziness is going on and you’re
interrogating suspects, there’s also this great dinner being served.You can dine on prime rib, honey-glazed
Cornish hen or cheese lasagna. Or – if you prefer your murder & mayhem to
be meat-free – Sleuths serves a strictly-vegetarian dinner. And did I mention
that unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks are included as part of your meal?
And then – as dessert is being delivered to your table – you
vote for who you think committed the crime. The results are then tabulated and
the real culprit is revealed. And everyone who guessed right then walks away from
Sleuths with a little something to remember this show by.
All in all, Sleuths Mystery Dinner Theatre is a fun evening
out in Orlando; especially if you’re traveling with family and/or a large group
of friends who want an affordable alternative to doing dinner at the theme
parks yet again.
Sleuths is located in the Goodings Plaza on International Boulevard, right next door to — believe it or not — Ripley’s Believe It or Not. And given that this dinner theatre will sometimes present two or more shows in the same evening, it’s probably best to do a little advance planning.
Copyright 2008 Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows
And if you ever need help with doing that advance planning … Well, why not drop by Orlando Fun Tickets? We’re located less than 2 miles from the Walt
Disney World Resort, 2 lights west of I-4 at 8472 Palm Parkway. Our
office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST Monday through Saturday, 10
a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
For further information, please call
866-225-4712 and/or check out the official Orlando Fun Tickets website.