What does it take to make live theater not just survive — but thrive? In this episode, we sit down with Mark Seven, Owner, Producer, and Director of Get Away With Murder — a traveling improv mystery comedy dinner theatre based in Ohio that turns every audience member into a suspect.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- Why live entertainment venues are struggling to fill seats — and what smart operators are doing differently
- How Get Away With Murder works: think live-action Clue, where the audience participates as suspects, props, and all
- The role of immersive, interactive storytelling in creating "wow" moments that audiences talk about for weeks
- How the company pivoted during COVID-19 by producing vintage-style radio mystery programs on YouTube
- What the "graying of theater" means for the future of live entertainment — and why it matters now
- A behind-the-scenes look at two upcoming holiday productions: The Elf Who Knew Too Much and The Great Reindeer Hoax
- How guest curiosity and actor improvisation literally write the show — real stories from the stage
Get Away With Murder is a traveling dinner theatre company offering both public murder mystery shows and private party experiences across Ohio and beyond. In public shows, audience members are cast as suspects with props to wear. In private events, the host pre-assigns roles. No one in the audience knows who the killer is until the final arrest. This keeps every performance completely unpredictable.
The company also offers corporate events, fundraisers, and custom private parties. This makes it a versatile option for groups looking for a memorable, fully interactive entertainment experience.
1. What is a Get Away With Murder mystery dinner event?
A Get Away With Murder event is a highly interactive mystery dinner party where guests take on character roles, receive clues, and help solve a murder case. Mark Seven describes it as similar to being in a live-action Clue game, with audience members participating as suspects and helping to solve the mystery by the end of the night (04:37).
2. Where can I find upcoming Get Away With Murder show dates and locations?
You can view all upcoming shows and purchase tickets by visiting getawaywithmurder.com and clicking on the live events tab. There you’ll find links to events at venues like Spaghetti Warehouse in Akron and Toledo, as well as other partner locations (29:23).
3. Are Get Away With Murder shows suitable for all ages?
Yes, according to Mark Seven, the humor and content are timeless and intergenerational, making the events suitable for adults of all ages. The shows are designed to be inclusive and enjoyable for a broad audience (27:51).
4. How do I participate in the show as a guest?
When attending a public event, guests may be assigned character roles complete with simple costume pieces like hats or boas. Private party guests may receive their roles in advance and even come dressed as their characters if they wish (04:52).
Connect with Detective Mark Seven
www.MyKillerParty.com
www.GetAwayWithMurder.com
MrEParties@aol.com
Toll-Free: (888) MRE-PRTZ / (888) 673-7789
P.O. Box 2, Tallmadge, OH 44278
Find live events on Eventbrite — filter for Ohio, then search "Get Away With Murder dinner parties."
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Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
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Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.
