COEUR d'ALENE - What's the perfect crime to pair with wine?

Murder, of course.

Theater aficionados in North Idaho will be able to test that theory this summer at Coeur d'Alene Cellars thanks to a new entertainment venture being launched by Tracey Vaughan and Brook Bassett.

The women, both active in the local theater scene, have created CDA Murder Mystery Theatre which will premier its first production June 27 on the patio at Coeur d'Alene Cellars, 3890 N. Schreiber Way.

"It's a fun evening that offers something a little different in the Coeur d'Alene area," Vaughan said.

CDA Murder Mystery Theatre is being billed as "a little bit of traditional theater mixed with a dinner party atmosphere."

At Coeur d'Alene Cellars, a $35 ticket includes a glass of wine, a beer or non-alcoholic beverage, and an appetizer.

Characters are introduced, a murder occurs, questions and clues arise, the audience has a chance to guess who done it, and the mystery is eventually solved. Audience members watch scenes performed by experienced actors interspersed with sessions of the evening during which the characters mingle amongst the crowd. The audience may choose to chat with performers, or they may simply observe.

Vaughan, who holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in theater is in her eighth year teaching drama at Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy. She was previously the artistic director at Lake City Playhouse, and she taught part-time at North Idaho College.

Bassett owns a dance studio, Verve Studio 8, and is a drama coach and teacher with Christian Youth Theater-North Idaho. She regularly choreographs productions at Lake City Playhouse.

Bassett said she and Vaughan are looking forward to offering audiences an interactive theater experience.

"Since it is improv-based, the experience will be different each time," Bassett said.

She said she thinks it's a great opportunity for actors in the area because it's a different format than the traditional narrative.

Vaughan said the fledgling performance company will focus scheduling events during the summer months, and they may be performing at venues beyond Coeur d'Alene Cellars.

"Our actors are students returning from college for the summer," Vaughan said. "We all like to work together, and we thought, 'Why not have a little fun?'"

CDA Murder Mystery Theatre will offer two different shows this summer at Coeur d'Alene Cellars. All performances will run from 6-9 p.m.

* "The Mafia Murders"

June 27 and Aug. 15

It's 1930 and someone in the family is out to murder the Godfather. The loyal friends and family of Donato "Babyface" Brundazini, the Godfather, have been gathered at the family Speakeasy for a normal familial party that turns murderous. Who is out to kill the boss and why would they even want to mess with the nefarious Brundazini family?

* "A Taste for Wine and Murder"

July 11 and Aug. 22

Barry Underwood disappeared at the Coeur d'Alene Cellars wine festival three years ago. Now, another wine festival is underway when Barry's body is discovered buried in the cellar. The local detectives, AKA the audience, gather the suspects - everyone who was there when Barry was murdered.

Was it his former fiancee, Tiny Bubbles, now married to the new estate manager, Ralph Rottingrape, or was it her new husband? Was it the owner of a rival winery, Hedy Shablee? Could it have been Papa Vito, the longtime vineyard worker from Italy? Or maybe Otto Von Schnapps, the German wine merchant? Perhaps it was Marilyn Merlot, the Hollywood actress?

To reserve a seat at Coeur d'Alene Cellars, call (208) 664-2336.