Popular Las Vegas production makes major change
Las Vegas’ favorite sleuth-and-supper show is feeling romantic. Kind of.
“Marriage Can Be Murder Dinner Show” at The Venue at the Rio premieres “With This Ring, I Thee Dread” on Feb. 12.
The new storyline is tied to Valentine’s Day performances, with guests at the Feb. 12-15 shows offered chocolates, a glass of champagne (or, if you will, FizzyWater), and a long-stemmed rose.
The newly written show will run for several weeks, as always co-starring the married couple Eric and Jayne Post (show times are 7 p.m. daily; go to marriagecanbemurder.com for intel). The production switches up its story every three months or so, keeping the show as fresh and inventive as the cuisine.
Eric Post is also the chef who conceives and preps the multicourse dinner, served, of course, during the show. Cast members commingle with ticket-holders, so you don’t know if the person you’re chatting with is a dental assistant, an usher, or a professional actor wielding a prop firearm.
The show is entering its 26th year, having reopened at the Rio in August. The show closed at the Orleans in mid-March, in its room, also called The Venue. Prior to the Rio, “MCBM” played Diversion Amusements on 5321 Cameron Street.
The show has run for several years at the D Las Vegas, dating to the days it was Fitzgerald’s hotel-casino. “MCBM” has also played a short run at Hennessey’s Tavern on Fremont Street in 2021.
The production is an original “interactive” experience in Las Vegas, produced by John Bentham of Ivory Star Productions, who says, “Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be predictable, overpriced or limited to one day.”
Cool Hang Alert
Get the party going, vintage-Vegas style, at 7 p.m. Saturday with Art Vargas at The Composers Room at Commercial Center. A 35-year-showman (and former Bobby Darin in “Legends in Concert”), Vargas is backed by The Swank Set, powerhouse musicians out of Las Vegas. Popular local chanteuse Laura Shaffer is the special guest. These cats can bring it. Go to thecomposersroom.com for intel.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.
