Ambrosia Murder Mysteries In "Buried to the Mob," an
interactive whodunit murder mystery show, audience members are
given the chance to win a prize by figuring out who the killer is
while wining and dining.
By Laura Morgan
Daily Bruin Contributor
Though the game “Clue” may have been more popular in
past years, people today are able to see the real thing instead of
playing with plastic ropes and one inch candlesticks.
Bringing this type of whodunit guessing game to life is the job
of Ambrosia Murder Mysteries, a group of actors who form an
interactive murder mystery theater company that encourages audience
participation to solve a murder, between courses of a delicious
meal.
Their interactive show titled “Buried to the Mob,”
takes place at Cafe Bellissimo, a restaurant located in Woodland
Hills.
Each party attending the show is assigned to a table with four
to six other people. Although the show encourages socializing, to
discover the killer, in the end it is still every person for
themselves because there is only one winner.
The show begins when Jasper (Oded Gross) and Gina (Alison
Tatlock), owners of the Oasis Lounge, announce that tonight is
going to be a night of love. The audience quickly learns that the
night is dedicated to two star-crossed lovers, Ray (Brett Baker)
and Gail (Jennifer London), who have eloped.
The two have come to the restaurant to tell their single parents
they have married, in hopes that they may see the love the couple
has for each other. The romance they share is quite cheesy and
annoying, as the two ceaselessly vow their undying love for each
other.
The audience then meets Gail’s mobster father, Tommy
(Michael Luckerman), who enters the room with a bodyguard (Scott
Crouse) who comes in with a gun and tells everyone in the audience
to put their hands up.
Providing a contrast, and much needed comic relief, is
Ray’s mother, Eleanor (Doug Budin). This female character
played by a man, is of royal blood and carries pearls around her
neck, along with supplying a haughty, English accent.
The first scene ends with tension when the audience learns
Eleanor does not like Gail and believes her son is too good for
just any girl. Jasper and Gina are quick to jump in to provide
comic relief by saying everyone, even audience members, need salad,
which is served by the cast members.
During this time, audience members are allowed to open the first
clue on their table. The clues help audience members formulate
questions to ask the cast while they’re serving food, which
may aid them in figuring out who the real killer is. For better
clues, anyone in the audience can give a cast member a few dollars
tip.
After the salad, the play recommences and the audience learns
that Ray’s mother, Eleanor, has lost all her money by
obsessively betting on Shih Tzu dogs, and Gail’s father,
Tommy, really has millions of dollars. When this information comes
to light, Eleanor’s hostile attitude toward Tommy quickly
changes, leaving some clues for the audience when it is time to
solve the murder.
The audience also learns that Ray wants to own restaurant just
like Jasper’s. Tommy attempts to buy the Oasis Lounge for
Jasper as a marriage gift, but Jasper denies all offers, causing
more suspicious tension between the two characters. Once again, the
scene ends with a cliffhanger as dinner is announced.
The meal consists of chicken served over penne and marinara
sauce, with sauteed mushrooms. The eating portion of the evening
proves to be one of the best parts of the performance, and
throughout the night. the cast is sure to keep drinks filled to the
brim.Â
One may feel rather rushed, however, to not only eat in between
scenes, but to ask for clues while socialize as well. Before
you realize it, the next scene is beginning.
During the third scene, Jasper takes a spin at comedy in an
attempt to ease the tension he has created with Tommy. His comedy
is horrid, but the audience laughs because the jokes are so
corny.
Finally, just about everyone in the cast leaves the Oasis
Lounge, even Jasper. When they return later, however, Jasper is no
where to be found. A gun shot is soon heard, and his wife goes out
to see what has happened. She returns with the news that he has
been murdered.
A detective/Rabbi/priest is then brought to the scene, who just
happens to be played by the same actor who played Jasper.
Everyone becomes a suspect of the murder, all with potential
motives, and the audience has one final chance to question the cast
while dessert is served.
Dessert is a light tiramisu, which is very tasty and not too
sweet. Unlike the earlier breaks, the actors give the audience
ample time to finish their food.Â
After dessert is the forth scene, during which the detective
questions the cast, and it’s left to the audience to decide
who the killer is.
Each person in the audience is given a piece of paper asking
them whom they believe the murderer is, along with how and why they
did it. The winner is announced and given an Arthur Conan Doyle
book, along with a picture with the cast.
Overall, the mystery is quite intriguing. The cast contains 23
actors, who rotate among the seven positions, and whose dialogue
contains a lot of hidden and ironic humor that keeps the
audience’s attention.
The props are also critical, and so are each person’s
movements, which are attributed to director Daniel Passer. With
careful use of all these techniques, adding to the interest and
humor of the show, the audience is kept on its toes and continues
laughing the entire night.
The dinner, however, is not to be underestimated. The Italian
cuisine proves is just as good as the show. Providing a superb
meal and great entertainment, the Ambrosia Murder Mysteries
presentation of “Buried to the Mob” is a sure success
of real-life “Clue.”
THEATER:Â Ambrosia Murder Mysteries
presents “Buried to the Mob” every Wednesday at 7 p.m.
at Cafe Bellissimo, 22458 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills. The $40
ticket includes the three-course meal and the interactive murder
mystery show. Tax, drinks, appetizers, and gratuity, however, are
not included. Reservations are required, and can be made by calling
(310) 302-9300.