Georgia Magazine - January 2022 - 34

Around GEORGIA
" It's different each month, " says Michael Nutter,
the opera's artistic director. " Sometimes it's a theme
night with, say, three tenors and their favorite works.
For Halloween, we did 'Jekyll & Hyde' [by Frank
Wildhorn and Leslie Bricusse] highlights. If we're
doing an opera, we'll have an introduction so people
know what it's about, then they'll hear the highlights.
As an audience member, it's easy to get immersed in
the music. "
To go with the entertainment, Petite Violette's
chefs serve a four-course dinner with wine
pairings. Selections might include beef
medallions, chicken cordon bleu,
shrimp scampi or salmon piccata.
Another option for
mystery lovers: Petite Violette
also stages " Murder, Mystery
and Mayhem " shows on
Fridays and Saturdays that
feature actors from Atlanta's
now-closed Agatha's: A Taste
of Mystery dinner theater.
Along with enjoying a fourcourse
menu of French favorites
and a glass of wine, guests can join
in the often-hilarious plot by taking on
roles or being part of group activities (such
as a group song). The shows change quarterly
but are often themed, and costumes are encouraged!
" The Dinner Detective, " Atlanta and
Savannah
More than a meal is on the menu during " The
Dinner Detective " shows in Atlanta and Savannah.
Owner Whitney Axley-Andrews hires about eight
local actors for each venue and puts them to work
creating a largely ad-libbed murder mystery that
often draws audience members into the action as
unsuspecting participants.
" The actors pose as guests, and they blend in
so well that people are often beyond shocked when
they find out that nice person they were talking to
at the table is an actor, " she says. " A big part of our
show is surprises, and we have many embedded.
You might even see your own photo show up without
knowing how it got into the show. "
(Hint: It's usually provided by the person's
dining companions.)
Axley-Andrews, a former actress herself, says
Many live theaters and performance venues have
adopted additional policies amid the COVID-19
pandemic. Be sure to check on the individual
event's requirements (such as for masks or
vaccinations) before you purchase your tickets.
34 Georgia Magazine January 2022
Above: A detective busts out his " Saturday Night
Fever " -inspired dance moves during a " The
Dinner Detective " production. Characters
frequently break into song and dance during the
shows. Left: " The Dinner Detective " guests are
invited to interrogate anyone they suspect might
have a hand in the crime, including other guests.
the improv nature of the shows keep them fresh, so even
if people attend twice within a few months, they don't see the
same thing.
" No two are exactly alike, " she says. " These are high-energy, fast-paced
shows set in present day with contemporary humor about whatever's going
on in the world and details about the city we're in. "
Though it may seem off-the-cuff, the shows are carefully planned
around the food service. They lead off with hors d'oeuvres and drinks,
followed by a sit-down dinner of salad, a choice of entrées and dessert.
Mix in a murder plot, plenty of red herrings and comedic moments, and
the entire affair takes about three hours.
Axley-Andrews sums it up succinctly: " It's like 'SNL' ['Saturday Night
Live'] meets 'Clue.' "
H.M. Cauley is an Atlanta-based freelance writer.
When you go
* Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse
499 Peachtree St., Atlanta
(404) 874-5299, shakespearetavern.com
* Medieval Times
5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville
(770) 225-0230, medievaltimes.com
* " Dinner and a Diva " and " Murder, Mystery and Mayhem "
Petite Violette, 2948 Clairmont Road, Atlanta
(404) 634-6268, petitevioletterestaurant.com, ccityopera.org
* " The Dinner Detective "
Sonesta Atlanta Northwest, 6345 Powers Ferry Road, Atlanta
Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Airport, 80 Clyde E. Martin Drive, Savannah
(866) 496-0535, dinnerdetective.com
DINNER DETECTIVE PRODUCTIONS
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http://www.shakespearetavern.com http://www.medievaltimes.com http://www.petitevioletterestaurant.com http://www.ccityopera.org http://www.dinnerdetective.com
Georgia Magazine - January 2022

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