Whenever I craved a little entertainment, I knew I could count on Agatha’s Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, the go-to spot for live theater and dining. But its closure during COVID left a gaping hole in the city’s entertainment scene. Nothing could pull me out of bed and into Atlanta traffic like Agatha’s used to, but fast forward a couple of decades, and now Petite Violette’s Murder Mystery Dinner Theater—a thrilling interactive murder mystery dinner—has me jumping out of bed.
A unique introduction to the play
The show I attended, Top Gunnerton: The Maverick Who Loved Me, was a fun mashup of Top Gun and Bridgeton. From the moment I walked in, it was clear I was about to be a part of something special. Upon entering, the hostess directed me to the private dining room, where I met the actors, including Darlene Gunnerton, who handed me a note with my role in the play. It listed my character and a few lines. Wait—am I a part of this? This was no passive dinner show. Here, the audience was part of the cast, and the dining room was our stage. Funny enough, only two actors were professionals—the rest of us were the cast.
Next, I found my name on the place card at my table. I made sure to reread my lines several times to be prepared. Your card tells you what part of the act and scene is yours, so you know exactly when to stand up and play your part. Though, I’ll be honest, I was still a bit nervous.
Unraveling the mystery
Murder mystery dinner theater is like stepping into your favorite crime drama—except this time, you’re in the middle of the action. Picture a thrilling whodunit where high stakes and hilarity collide. Professional actors guide the story with sharp, quick-witted banter while the audience gets in on the fun, playing suspects, sleuths or even the unintentional comic relief. It’s part mystery, part improv comedy and entirely unforgettable—perfect for anyone looking to swap a typical night out for something hilariously unexpected. The experience lasts about 2.5 hours.
The food: a delicious plot twists
The night starts with a buffet of cheeses, bruschetta and vegetarian appetizers served buffet style to get you warmed up. Then, servers bring salads to your table and take your entrée orders. I went for tender beef medallions, but you can’t go wrong with perfectly cooked salmon or the other tempting dishes. While you get to know your tablemates, your dinner is prepared. Your main course arrives right before the action ramps up, so you can enjoy your meal uninterrupted while soaking up the drama.
And dessert? A decadent chocolate torte that could rival the best pastry shops in the city. It’s almost unfair how good it was—it had me questioning if the food or the mystery was the real star of the show.
The grand reveal
As the final act unfolded, the room was on edge, guessing and second-guessing every clue. When the big reveal came, it was a mix of gasps, cheers and "No way, I totally called that!" Even if you guessed wrong (like me), it didn’t matter—because it was all about the thrill of the journey.
Protip: Capture a memory of the evening by posing with the hero and heroine for a photo op.
Why you need to go
The shows at Petite Violette’s Murder Mystery Dinner Theater change seasonally, so the intrigue is fresh. Whether it’s a date night or just an excuse to gather your crew, this is the kind of experience that sticks with you. It’s equal parts immersive and hilarious, making it a must-do experience for anyone visiting Atlanta or looking to escape their routine. Grab a group of friends, channel your inner detective and prepare for an evening of mystery, mischief and mouthwatering food.