The Mystery Café celebrates it’s 35th season as a local, independently owned theater company
The Mystery Café - The Twin Cities’ Original Comedy-Whodunnit Dinner Theater is thrilled to announce it’s 35th season
Founded in 1989, The Mystery Café is a local, independently owned theater company, which means that its survival rests not on donors, subscribers or grants; but ticket sales. We’ve been around for 35 years because, fortunately - people still find us funny, and continue to come to our shows.
The Cast of “Alma Murder” 2023
The Cast of “Death and Taxes” 1989
Much has changed since the early days. We’ve outlived most of our venue partnerships. Niklow’s Restaurant, The Venetian Inn, Bloomington Park Tavern, The Hudson House Grand Hotel, Benchwarmer Bob’s…these places are fond (if fuzzy) memories, but the Mystery Café called them all home at one point or another.
Many of the Mystery Cafe’s “Hall of Famers” have had illustrious careers in film and television:
Mo Collins (Mad TV, Arrested Development, Fear the Walking Dead)
Cedric Yarbrough (Reno 911, The Goldbergs, Bojack Horseman)
Pete Breitmayer (A Serious Man, Fantastic Beasts, Mad Men, Horrible Bosses)
Maile Flanagan (Naruto, ER, Grey’s Anatomy, The Office)
Grant Richey and Judy Heneghan (AKA Martini & Olive)
Dave Gangler (Freaks & Geeks, Angel, The Andy Dick Show)
Tom Gibis (Naruto, Beverly Hills 90210, Grounded For Life)
The Cast of “Who Wants to Kill a Millionaire?” circa 2000.
Yes, times have changed. When the Mystery Cafe started, the phone number in our print ads didn’t include an area code. No one ever asked if their meal could be served gluten free. In the 90’s, a joke with a reference to Buddy Hackett or a Ford Pinto would result in uproarious laughter.
Our shows are mostly Hackett-free these days. Mostly.
One thing hasn’t changed; people’s desire for a good laugh and a great meal. Wait, that’s two things. And free parking. That’s three.
The point is, all these years later, we are still presenting the funniest shows we know how to create, cast them with the most talented interactive comedians in town, and work with great locations who provide a quality 3-course meal. Those things have never changed.
Which brings us to the here and now, and our 35th season.
We are excited to be teaming with our newest venue partner, Great Wolf Lodge in Bloomington, directly across the street from the MOA.
Great Wolf Lodge has a shared commitment to quality entertainment and a terrific reputation for fun. It’s a dream team scenario for our South Metro location.
Here we will be presenting our hilarious hit show
“I’ll Be Homicidal For Christmas.”
It’s December 23rd, 1978.
Albee Humphrey used to be a household name, but these days his star is fading. He’s got one last shot at a comeback – with a network televised Christmas special.
There’s celebrity guests, variety acts, and…murder. But hey, you can’t spell “Manslaughter” without “laughter!”
This is his last chance to be a star again. He’ll either make it back on top…
…or die trying!
Runs November 18th - January 6th
click here to view the trailer
Starring Eric Webster, Shanan Custer, Paul Somers, Rita Boersma and Randy Schmeling.
As excited as we are about our new South Metro location, we are equally thrilled to be celebrating our 11th year with our North Metro venue partner, Majestic Oaks Golf Club in Ham Lake. We have not one, but two fantastic shows happening at Majestic Oaks this season!
Starting with: our sci-fi spoof
“The X-mas Files”
It's Christmas time in Moosepie, MN.
This quiet, friendly resort town is suddenly rocked by reports of missing time and...missing persons. Could it be alien abduction? Or is the culprit much closer to home?
Former FBI Agents Daisy Summer and Hunt Malloy agree to put their tumultuous romantic past behind them in order to investigate the strangest…and funniest case they've ever faced!
The Sleuth is OUT THERE
Runs November 25th - December 30th
click here to view the trailer
Starring Dave Gangler, Alisa Gingerich, Wini Froelich, Dave Scharnhorst and Ann Lees
Winding up the season, our newest show (also at Majestic Oaks)
“Til Death Do Us Die”
Dearly Beloved,
You are invited to bear witness, as Tara and Duncan tie the noose. Er…knot.
…And having witnesses may prove useful, when saying “I do” quickly turns to “whodunnit?”
Should anyone present know of any reason that this couple should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever…rest in peace!
Runs January 5th - February 17th
Starring Nissa Nordland, Brian Hodge-Rice, Casey Martin, Josh Carson, Dan Rooney, George Keller, Brittany Oberstadt, Jonah Smith, Sam Landman and James Brown
And if that wasn’t enough, we also have our touring shows, designed for private events
Alma Murder - A Killer Class Reunion
The Alumni of Mellencamp Sr. High have learned that their old Alma Mater is soon to be demolished. To show their school spirit, they’ve decided to throw one last all-class reunion.
Get together with long absent friends and classmates. Find out whatever happened to that old flame. Stroll down memory lane, or tear it up on the dance floor.
It’s guaranteed to be the party of a lifetime…if you live that long!
click here to view the trailer
And our small group show -
The Private EYE in TEAM
Alexander Van der Anderson has been murdered – and by a member of his own family! Detective Roland Hardway is going to need your help to crack the case! But be careful, because someone in your group is a killer!
Our most interactive show, “The Private EYE in TEAM” consists of just 3 actors, and is specially designed for small groups with a focus on fun and teamwork. Unlike our other shows, there is no “right” solution. Each team creates a possible ending, and the group votes on which one they like the best (or find the funniest). It's half comedy show, half game and a whole lot of fun.
click here to view the trailer
In addition to our dinner theater shows, we have teamed up with Trivia Mafia to present “Trivia Guy - P.I.” a weekly pub quiz every Thursday night at Majestic Oaks Golf Club.
It’s free to play, and the top 3 teams will win prizes ranging from gift certificates to Majestic Oaks to tickets to one of our shows!
It is an exciting season with something for everyone. Laugh-a-minute comedy, a fantastic menu, exceptional venue partners, and a tremendously talented cast that is a who’s who of local interactive comedians. It’s a great way to celebrate our 35th year!
For more information about The Mystery Cafe, please contact Brian Kelly (Owner/Artistic Director) at 763-566-CLUE (2583) or info@themysterycafe.com