“Mobsters, Molls and Murder” is an interactive performance at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, where the audience helps solve a Prohibition-era murder. Shows are scheduled for Oct. 12, 18, 19, 26 and 27.
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A murder has gone down in the Prohibition-era city.
Mickey Scapone, one of the biggest mob bosses in the game, has been killed in a swingin’ speakeasy.
And you’re invited to help solve the crime.
“Mobsters, Molls and Murder” is the newest interactive performance now showing at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. Ticketholders have the chance to work in teams, interrogate subjects and gather clues throughout the historic Harrison home to solve the crime at the end.
Shows are scheduled at 6 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, 19 and 26 at the site, located at 1230 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis. Performances are also scheduled for 2 and 4 p.m. Oct. 27; the 2 p.m. show is a special accessible stationary play, where participants remain seated throughout the performance.
“They’ll be watching a performance, they’ll be part of a performance, and they’ll be enjoying music,” said Donna Wing, director of the show. “It’s a different kind of theater than what you’ll see.”
“Mobsters, Molls and Murder” is part of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site’s Candlelight Theatre program. Each year, the site stages performances within the wall of Harrison’s historic downtown Indianapolis mansion, with the program’s actors bringing a combination of mysteries, comedies and thrilling historically-inspired tales to life.
The story behind the performance brings audience members back to the 1920s. Prohibition is still in full swing, and while it makes alcohol a difficult commodity to obtain, it certainly isn’t impossible. Mickey Scapone, boss of one of the largest gangs responsible for importing the contraband, is owner of Swingers, arguably the most popular speakeasy in the city. From bodyguards to sassy jazz singers, alcohol to fine dining, this hip club has everything.
And on the night of the performances, it even has a murder.
Guests will work in teams of 10, interrogating suspects and getting clues throughout the mansion to solve the crime. Though not required, people are encouraged to don your best flapper dresses, newsboy caps and other Jazz Age-style duds.
“We’ll have some 1920s entertainment, and they are at a speakeasy with a floor show. There will be lots of different things going on,” Wing said.
Tickets are $27 for general admission, $23 for Presidential Site members and students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit benjaminharrisonpresidentialsi.ticketspice.com/mobsters-molls-murder.
Here are two other spooky and seasonal cultural attractions going on around Indianapolis:
ZooBoo
Details: 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, 2 to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 31, Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St.; indianapoliszoo.com/zoo-events/zooboo
At the Indianapolis Zoo, even the animals celebrate Halloween. The centerpiece of this annual tradition is Pumpkin Town, a fun and festive village underneath the zoo’s Bicentennial Pavilion. People can interact with cats and Agape therapeutic miniature horses inside Jack’s Barn. They can try their luck in the Mirror Maze. There, they can explore Leeward Manor, a spooky and mysterious dwelling where visitors can meet the Leeward Sisters — Terra, Wisp and Bubbles — as they conjure up some Halloween magic in their cauldron. Their fortune-telling aunt, Clara Voyant, will be along for the fun as well.
Find more fun at Bat Alley, the Roller Ghoster and Gator Pirate Bayou. Kids can visit eight different stations along the Trick-or-Treat Trail, and all the while, the Patch DJ will be spinning tunes both spooky and spectacular to keep the party lively.
Zoo Boo also features a special menu of treats, such as the Bruja Burger or the Terrifying Tots with Red Gold BBQ sauce. Grown-ups can enjoy a Pumpkin Spice-A-Rita or a Spooky Smash — cocktails created especially for ZooBoo by Hotel Tango Distillery.
Witch Way Road Trip
Details: Oct. 10-31, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays (lights-on friendly hours); 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday (frightening hours); Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 3300 N. Meridian St.; childrensmuseum.org/exhibits/haunted-house
For 60 years, the Children’s Museum Guild has been transforming the museum into a house of (mini) horrors every Halloween in what has become the longest running, continually-operated haunted house in the country. In honor of the landmark occasion, the Witch Way Road Trip an exhilarating cross-country journey down Route 60.
This road trip promises a unique experience filled with twists, surprises and eerie challenges. As you travel the haunted highway, explore chilling landmarks and unravel the legends that make Route 60 one of the most mysterious roads in America. But beware, who knows who will actually make it to Boneyard Beach?
Two different experiences are offer: A “lights on” session with upbeat music and the lights turned up for guests to scare more easily. Then from 4 to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, the experience is designated as the Frightening Hours.
