Figure out who dunnit

What says love better than murder and trying to help solve it?

Improv Playhouse will host a murder mystery with a Roaring '20s twist along with a gourmet dinner from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center, 2007 Civic Center Way.

But this will not be a conventional, sit-down-and-watch murder mystery, said David Stuart, founder and director of the Libertyville-based Improv Playhouse.

"The guests disseminate the information given to them to play roles themselves in the murder mystery," he said.

Not to give too much away, Stuart said the story, "Bye, Bye Buca" incorporates flappers, union racketeers, prohibition and bootleg liquor.

He added, "All plot elements point to who will be the new godfather now that Sam Buca is dead."

Leading the show will be Michael and Allyson Wollner of Lake Villa. As actors, Allyson Wollner said they not only give the audience clues, but also serve as masters of ceremonies to keep the show moving.

"We want to be big, loud and funny but also to keep the show on track," she said.

Allyson Wollner, who has performed interactive type shows for 10 years, said leading a show by what the audience says, instead of a script, becomes a joy because neither the actors or audience know what to expect.

"You never know exactly what people are going to say," she said. "The majority of the time, what people say makes it funny because it is shocking what other people will say."

Playing off the Roaring '20s theme, Allyson expects the audience will enjoy dressing up in flapper dresses and Al Capone suits and maybe come up with their own jokes to add to the story and make it a fun night for all.

"It really helps bring them back to the decade," she said.

This is the second year that Improv Playhouse has presented a murder mystery at the Round Lake Beach center. Stuart says the interest in interactive entertainment continues to grow. Like talent shows and game shows, these type of productions engage the audience in a different way.

Tickets cost $150 per couple and $80 per person. The ticket price includes hors d'oeuvres, a gourmet fireside dinner and champagne. Reservations are requested by today.

For more information, call Improv Playhouse at (847) 968-4529.