Broadway Maricopa is preparing to bring dinner theater back to the community with its second murder mystery production, “A Murder at the Haunted Manor,” set for Oct. 22-24 at the Central Arizona College Events Center, according to InMaricopa.
Artistic director Marcus Ellsworth said many people were surprised to learn that the performers were local, not professional actors brought in from elsewhere. He said the goal is to unite the community and showcase the talent already here in Maricopa.
The company’s first show, “Murder Aboard the S.S. Jungle Queen,” debuted in February 2025 and sold out its performances. Like that production, the new show will pair dinner with an interactive mystery experience.
Ellsworth described the format as an immersive evening in which servers are part of the performance and the audience can try to solve the case for prizes. He said the story follows a deceased casino owner who leaves his son a haunted manor and the staff tied to it, with the son unable to leave until he figures out who killed his father.
Broadway Maricopa has also expanded beyond the murder mystery format, including a musical version of “The Wizard of Oz” earlier this year and a Fall Academy for children ages 6 through 17. Tickets for “A Murder at the Haunted Manor” are available through the Broadway Maricopa website, and mocktails will be served during the dinner show.
