Diane Poole
Jimmie Rodick
Jimmie Rodick, event coordinator at Ferus Artisan Ales, created A Toast to Forever.
If you like murder mysteries, you might enjoy becoming part of one. An interactive murder mystery experience, “A Toast to Forever,” is coming to The Reserve in the Trussville Gateway District, offering guests the chance to step into the story rather than simply watch it unfold.
Created by Jimmie Rodick, event coordinator at Ferus Artisan Ales, this experience centers around a rehearsal dinner where friends and family have gathered to celebrate the upcoming wedding of Charlotte and Ethan. It soon becomes apparent that something is wrong, and dinner guests become part of the story.
“This isn’t going to be a traditional murder mystery where you sit and watch,” Rodick said. “It’s much more interactive. Think pairing an escape room-style plot with a murder mystery where you get to play along.”
But if acting is not on your resume, never fear.
“Acting [experience] isn’t really required,” said Rodick. “You can take on the persona of your character if you want, or you can just observe and take in what’s happening.”
So how will it work?
“Everyone will check in and get a name tag with their role, plus clues, possible motives and information that only your character knows,” she explained. “We’ll start with a toast to the bride and groom, and then the story begins. We’ll include a notepad and pen as a party favor so guests can keep track of clues. Throughout the evening, we’ll release more clues so everyone can work together to figure it out.”
Rodick will serve as the host and will guide the story along. All the characters will get the same clues. Even participants who are further from the main plot will have enough information to solve the mystery. You can work by yourself, as a couple or as a team to figure out “whodunit.”
But don’t wait to get your tickets if you want to have a significant role in the mystery. Rodick shared the process for assigning roles.
“The earlier you buy your ticket and check in, the more likely you are to be one of the main characters. Those roles go first, and the rest are supporting characters.”
Rodick hopes the event will draw individuals, couples and even groups to participate.
“It’s a little bit of both — a social night out and an interactive murder mystery,” she said. “People can mingle, compare notes and enjoy the evening while solving the mystery.”
And what does Rodick hope guests will say afterward?
“I hope people leave saying, ‘I can’t believe it was that person — and I’m so glad it wasn’t me.’ I want it to be something fun they’re still talking about on the ride home.”
Only 50 tickets are available, making the show more intimate. “A Toast to Forever” will take place Friday, March 27 from 7-10 p.m. at The Reserve in the Trussville Gateway District. Tickets are $25/single or $40/couple and are available at ferusales.com/events-1/a-toast-to-forever-a-murder-mystery-social. Costumes and dressy attire are optional but encouraged, adding to the fun of the rehearsal dinner setting.
