< Blog Dinner Theater

Public vs Private Murder Mystery Shows

April 17, 2025

There’s more than one way to catch a killer—especially when The Murder Mystery Company is involved. Whether you’re solving a crime alongside a room full of strangers or working through the evidence with only your hand-picked guest list, the thrills are just as juicy. But what’s the real difference between public and private murder mystery shows? And more importantly, which one is right for you?

What We’ll Cover:

  • How public shows work
  • What makes private shows special
  • When to go public vs private
  • 2025 public show roster
  • How to book your private event

Let’s investigate.


What to Expect at a Public Murder Mystery Show

Public shows are recurring events hosted at partner venues around the country. These are murder mystery dinners that mix delicious three-course meals with murder, mischief, and mayhem. You can buy tickets online and join in on the fun—just bring your appetite and your best detective instincts.

How it works:

  • You’ll be seated with your own group (or with new friends if your party is small).
  • You’ll interact with suspects (played by professional actors and guests alike) and help crack the case.
  • Themes change monthly, from 1930s Hollywood glam to 1980s rock battles.

It’s a night of immersive, theatrical fun—perfect for date nights, birthday outings, or spontaneous sleuthing. Tickets are typically $60–$80 and include your meal and the show. You can browse upcoming options and themes near you at The Murder Mystery Company’s website.


The Advantages of Going Private

Want something a little more exclusive? Private murder mystery events are personalized parties that The Murder Mystery Company brings right to you—home, office, restaurant, you name it. You choose the date, the time, and the guest list. The plot thickens from there.

Why book private?

  • It’s just your crew—no outside guests.
  • You control the location, the timing, and the theme.
  • The actors will tailor the experience with fun nods to your attendees through improvisation.

Whether you’re hosting a company teambuilder or planning a surprise birthday bash, a private show offers more control and a personalized twist. And if your guest list is long (say, 30+), going private is usually more cost-effective than buying public tickets.


Public vs Private: Which Is Best?

Let’s break it down like a true detective would:

FeaturePublic ShowPrivate Event
Group SizeSmall groups welcomeIdeal for small or large groups
CustomizationSet theme & formatFlexible timing and personalization
VenueSet locationYou choose the location
Other GuestsMixed with the publicYour group only
Meal IncludedYes (3-course)Optional, depending on your setup
Theme ChoiceBased on schedule (see below)You pick the theme

If you’re looking for something easy, pre-packaged, and social—go public. But if you want more control, more privacy, and a themed mystery party tailored to your group, private is the way to go.


The 2025 Public Show Theme Schedule

Curious about what kind of mystery you’ll be solving? Each month brings a new theme to the stage for the public shows, so there’s always something fresh to investigate. Whether you want glitz, grease, or a good ol’ fashioned whodunnit, there’s a show for you.

Here’s what’s coming up this year:

Whether you love roaring ‘20s drama or neon ‘90s nostalgia, The Murder Mystery Company keeps things lively all year long. This gives you a good idea of the crime scenes coming soon.


Special Public Show Experiences

The Murder Mystery Company also offers exclusive themed mystery experiences in:

  • Times Square, NYC at Carmine’s – A roaring 1920s speakeasy theme called “Speakeasy, Die Softly”
  • Nashville, TN at Elliston Place Soda Shop – A rockin’ 1950s mystery called “Death at the Diner”

These shows are only available in those cities, but trust us—they’re bucket-list worthy.


Want to Host Your Own Killer Event?

Skip the stress of DIY party planning. The Murder Mystery Company has professionally trained actors, tried-and-true storylines, and interactive mystery game formats that make hosting fun and foolproof. Whether you want to gather your friends or go undercover with coworkers, we’ll make sure it’s a night to remember.

📞 Call 888-643-2583 or fill out the contact form on this page to get started.

Your perfect murder mystery party is just a clue away.

Host your own Mystery Party!

Our Murder Mystery Experts are excited to talk to you about your personalized party plans.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.