Q&A WITH HODAZHA-MANIWINGA PIDGEON

Casino plans murder mystery dinner show
By: 
Miriam Nelson
mnelson@newmedia-wi.com

Editor’s Note: The Enterprise & News recently chatted with Hodazha-Maniwinga Pidgeon, senior public relations manager at Ho-Chunk Gaming Wittenberg about the casino’s first murder mystery dinner theater, scheduled for Feb. 13.

Q: This is the first time doing a murder mystery. How did this idea come to pass?
A: Ho-Chunk Gaming Wittenberg is always looking for new, innovative techniques and events to have for our guests. The idea came from the creative vision of marketing director Tracy Pecore.

Q: Where will the dinner and show be held, and how many tickets will be sold for the event?
A: The mystery dinner and show will be held at the River’s Edge Restaurant inside Ho-Chunk Gaming Wittenberg. There is room for 50 guests to participate in each showing. With each ticket sold, the guest will receive $25 Rewards Play.

Q: When does the show start?
A: There will be two shows, one at 5 p.m. and another one at 9 p.m. The interactive “Who done it?” will take place between meal courses.

Q: What is the menu?
A: The dinner consists of the following: starters, cheesy bacon potato soup or side salad tossed in champagne vinaigrette; entrée, chicken cordon bleu smothered in mushroom lager gravy and served with mashed potato and seasonal vegetable or panko smoked pork chop smothered in a honey garlic sauce served with mashed potato and seasonal vegetable; dessert is a mystery. The meal will also include a complimentary champagne toast and souvenir flute. The meal will be prepared in house by executive chef Bryan Swanson and his culinary team.

Q: What is the style of the show — scripted, improvisation, combination?
A: While the show is scripted, eight to 10 members of the audience will actively participate, and with all the talented members of our community, who knows what will develop or unravel?

Q: Do the audience members pick the killer?
A: The murder aspect will remain a mystery, and there will be prizes awarded throughout the evening.

Q: Where is the acting troupe from? What is their experience?
A: The acting troupe is out of Brainerd, Minnesota, and have performed at another Ho-Chunk Gaming location in Wisconsin Dells.

Q: What is the name of the show, is there a theme, are audience members encouraged to dress according to the theme?
A: The name of the show is “Till Death Do Us Part” and will be centered on theme of “Bridezilla.” All guests are encouraged to dress in wedding guest attire and will be given additional $10 Rewards Play.

Q: What is the price?
A: The price for the dinner and show is $50, gratuity not included. Guests who choose to stay in the hotel can reserve a standard queen room for two for an additional $50. Cash bar will be available before and during the dinner show. Tickets are nonrefundable.

Q: When is the last date/time to purchase tickets?
A: Tickets will be available until sold out or at time of each show.