VPA presents interactive dinner theater experience: "Felons, Flappers, and Foul Play"

WASILLA — Valley Performing Arts is putting on a unique production, "Felons, Flappers, and Foul Play," an interactive murder/mystery dinner theater experience.

Sarah Winter is co-directing "Felons, Flappers, and Foul Play" with DJ Rotach. Winter said it's been a very fun play to work on.

"Our actors are having so much fun. It's a joy to watch them have this experience and do so well,"

"Felons, Flappers, and Foul Play" utilizes a Prohibition time period setting with actors dressed in zoom suites, fedora, and flapper style dresses.

The story follows the Macaroni brothers, one of Chicago’s main crime families who own a popular speakeasy called Swingers and are responsible for importing contraband into the city.

One night, the big boss Bugs Macaroni is found dead. As the play unfolds, the colorful cast of characters make their way around the restaurant interacting with the customers and each other to find out who killed him.

VPA actors have been performing at Meta and Rose where ticket holders enjoy their meals and drinks while watching the show unfold. Some even find themselves drawn right into the action as certain characters make their way around the esteemed eatery to interrogate the dinner guests.

The zippy, 1920s style antics has been met with plenty of laughter and left audience members entertained as the local play enters its second week of production, according to Winter.

"The audience really loves it," Winter said. "It's very interactive. It definitely gives the audience a different experience. It’s fun to see how people enjoy it."

This is the first time VPA has put on an interactive murder mystery play, according to Winter. She said that several audience members have suggested that they put on more shows like this.

"It's been a huge hit," Winter said.

This play is a chance for VPA actors to put their improv skills to the test as they mingle with dinner guests throughout the show. Winter said that she's impressed with the skill and showmanship the cast has shown so far.

"They've gone above and beyond what we've expected of them," Winter said.

Winter has been involved with VPA since 2017. She said that she appreciates the organization's openness and flexibility to experiment. She said that she also cherishes the overall sense of community that's present in each production.

"Theater can be very moving and influential and VPA gives the space for that," Winter said.

Ticket sales for "Felons, Flappers, and Foul Play" close 48 hours prior to each performance to ensure the venue has the proper amount of time to prepare.

For tickets and more information, visit vpaalaska.org.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com