Murder, wine on tap again in Cd'A

The murdering masqueraders are at it again.

Coeur d'Alene Murder Mystery Theatre will once again be performing hilarious murder mysteries at Coeur d'Alene Cellars this summer.

"Last year, we sold out all of our shows, so we added some more performances this year," said Tracey Vaughan, co-producer of the mysteries. The company has also added shows for a total of three different mystery titles over the summer months.

The shows include "Murder on Maui," a luau with a deadly twist, and "My Alma Martyr," where a class reunion leads to murder.

"We are bringing back 'The Mafia Murders' from last year, but the other two shows are new. 'Mafia Murders' was a big hit last summer; I guess people love the feel of the speakeasy and the idea that for just a few hours they are an insider into the old-time mob," said Brook Bassett, the second producer of the plays.

Bassett said the shows allow the audience to experience the story rather than just view it. The audience members becomes the guests at the luau, the patrons of the speakeasy, the classmates at the reunion. "They can interact with the characters, experience the party atmosphere, and be a part of the mystery as detectives who solve the case," Bassett said. "All of this happens in a really fun environment and at a venue that serves their own delicious wine. It's truly a full evening."

The ticket price includes a glass of wine or beer. This year, Coeur d'Alene Cellars has also added a couple of nights with a full dinner option.

The actors are excited for the new season. Mitch Shellman, an actor for Coeur d'Alene Murder Mystery Theatre, said he received a compliment from an audience member last year. The man said he and his wife have been going to events like this in other towns for years and that the Coeur d'Alene Murder Mystery cast was the best they have ever seen.

"It was like, wow. To hear that from a patron meant a lot," Shellman said.

Vaughan said the entertainers are committed to the story and to making the night a great experience.

"They love to mingle with the audience and interact, Vaughan said. "It's part of the challenge for them - to stay in character and field questions and accusations and go with the flow no matter what happens!"

And anything can happen at a murder mystery, indeed.

Caleb Drechsel chuckled when he recalled a group of women who enjoyed flirting with his character.

"The ladies were really getting into the story of my 'mobster' character. I just took it all in stride, but I actually got a couple phone numbers by the end of the night. I guess my character is one lucky guy," Drechsel said.

Not all audience members have to get so involved; for those who would prefer to stay incognito and sleuth out the mystery on their own, there is that option. The actors make sure audience members are comfortable with any interaction that happens. Some audience members are content with just showing up. Some dress up for the theme of the play. This year's plays' dress themes are Hawaiian, 1940s and '50s, and 1920s.