Whodunit?!

I would every so often wonder what it would like to live in a different time period in the past, but I always find this endeavor different since I am a Black man, as opposed to if I was white.  As a White man I can really fantasize about the romantic pictures we have all come to know about an era, like the happening Sock Hops of the Fifties or the refined regalia of the Renaissance.  But being Black, I have to imagine that same thing but with the reality of the status of Blacks during that time, in which 10 times out of 10 -  it really sucked.  Black folks were just legally granted civil liberties about 50 or so years ago.  It’s depressing to think about but there is no time pre-1970 in which it was safe to be Black (I can already hear my readers saying under their breath “it’s not safe now!”).  What I mean is there was always the ominous cloud of uncertainty that at any moment an angry, intoxicated band of greasy white men in overalls will bust down your door in the middle of the night and hurt you, kidnap you, or worse….  The more I think of it the more I think I lucked out with this whole time period thing.  Hell, I’d be willing to bet the people back then were fantasizing about my time period, and most probably thought it was just that: a fantasy.  

With that said I must say there were pockets of light in those dark books of history for Black people, African Americans to be specific.   One had to have been the 1920’s, a decade that included a little something we like to call the Harlem Renaissance.  Of all the eras to see, I have always been intrigued by that era and love seeing movies depict it.  So you can imagine how cool it was for me to have an opportunity play a character back in the Twenties when a friend of mine threw a Murder Mystery for her 30^th birthday party.  

The whole situation was great because Natova and I both had been talking for at least a couple of years about going to a murder mystery dinner.  It just had all the elements for a great time.  How often do grown-ups, that aren’t professional actors that is, get to role play?  Out of all the possible themes I think the best one of them was chosen:  1920’s Prohibition, complete with mobsters, cigarette girls, and flappers (yeah, I didn’t know what that was either.  A flapper, as one website describes it, is “a stylish, brash, hedonistic young woman with short skirts & shorter hair”).   So it’s not the Harlem Renaissance but still something could be really fun.  

We were all given our roles beforehand in an enveloped “newsletter.” It gave a very brief rundown of all the characters that will participate (i.e. Southside Sal, The Private Detective, etc). Another letter gave more specific information about our particular character.  Apparently I had been slated for Hollywood Hal, the famous movie director (great fit).   I suppose you could say I’m the Black version of Howard Hughes.   I am very successful in my movies, I like to be out in the party scene, I feel like I’m better than other people, I’m known for always having a lovely lady or two under my arms at parties, and so on.  Natova was Molly Mal, current girlfriend to Notorious Nick, the big other big Mob boss in town opposite Southside Sal.  I didn’t read her letter but I later got a sense of her character being an opportunist, which I found out is really everyone.  

After an afternoon at the mall picking up some accessories to compliment the outfits that we found in our closets, Natova and I arrived to the party looking and feeling like genuine Twenties’ party-goers.  Like I mentioned before, this was a very cool style period.  

Once we got to the party, immediately there was a great atmosphere.  The few guests already there were dressed for the occasion.  A table was set up with some decorations (i.e. small “wooden” prohibition barrels of moonshine tucked in the corner) and some other knick knacks that complimented the theme, including a bottle or two of some real adult beverages, which will make their presence felt later in the evening.  People started to trickle in over the next thirty minutes.  I would introduce myself as both Ray Fowler and Hollywood Hal, others would do the same.  We became really impressed the more people arrive because everyone dressed in character the best they could and by the time the room was filled, we could easily pass for a acting troupe about to put on a play set in the Twenties.  And just like an acting troupe, as it got closer for the murder mystery to begin, we all started reviewing our character and going over how we will act.  As we mingled and got to know others, Louis Armstrong played swing music in the background.   We laughed and joked, periodically flipping into character with each other.  By the time everyone had arrived I think we were all ready and eager. 

Before we got started we got a rundown of the rules, which is great, because if you are like me, I was always interested in how these things work but had no clue.   I have already mentioned the first letter I got telling me about my character.  Before I continue it all makes more sense if I give you the background on me (Hollywood Hal).   I have been scouting young ladies, for my new movie, see, and I want a fresh face, someone never seen before.  I’ve been looking around and this one dame, Dina, has caught my eye.  She’s a singer for the Juke joint we are in tonight.  I want to give her the part…but I have a problem.  Apparently I’m not so good at making life decisions because I let Notorious Nick, the mobster, help finance my new flick.  What can I say, I needed the dough.  Problem is he already has someone in mind.  That’s right, his current floozy  girlfriend, Molly Mol.  Don’t get me wrong Molly’s easy on the eyes, a real looker, but when it comes to acting talent, unfortunately that well was all dried up when the stork came calling.  But Notorious Nick has made me an offer I can’t refuse, if you know what I mean, and I do believe that includes the use of my legs.  So to say the least I am somewhat compelled to accommodate Mr. Nick’s request.  

So that’s my story and everyone else has some general knowledge about their own situation, as well.   And then that night we were also handed another letter that told us more specific information and some things that we needed to do as the night progresses.  It may read something like cause a scene with the Police Chief and storm away, or tell Southside Sal you have some information that he might find interesting, etc.  I had three tasks: Tell everyone that the project I’m working on now “will make a huge bang,” tell Notorious Nick that I will make Molly the star of my new film, and let Dina know, who also knows that I’m considering her for the role, that I chose Molly Mol due to the pressure from Notorious Nick.  

The other part of the whole thing, which was explained in the rules, is the money.  Apparently we get play-money with our envelope that night and our job is to “earn” as much money as possible.  How do you earn this money you ask?  By reaching down to channel your inner dark-side and becoming the most conniving, scandalous, deceitful, and manipulative person you can be (and let me tell you, some people didn’t have to reach down as far as others- I’m just saying.  Some folks seemed mighty comfortable with this part of the game, if you know what I mean).  You basically blackmail anyone that you might have dirt on, and make them pay to keep you quiet.  I was by far on the wrong end of this transaction the entire night, but I’ll get to that soon enough.  

So at this point we all know what we have to do.  And as Hollywood Hal would say, “Lights, Camera, Action!” The room springs to action and the mingling begins again, this time in character.  Something else I was impressed with throughout the night was the quality of acting.  I think we had some real stars in there, including Molly (Natova) and Notorious Nick (who interestingly enough is a real director) and I would be remiss if I didn’t give myself a little credit.  I channeled my inner Denzel and I think I did a pretty good job.  

Molly and Nick immediately approach me about the part.  The guy playing Notorious Nick is medium height, average build, but as I mentioned before he really threw himself into the role. Through his acting you got the air of importance and authority on him that Nick would probably really have.  His thing was intensity.  I think he made it a point to look as deep into your eyes as possible when he talks to you and it kind of made you uncomfortable.  

I told the couple that I am still considering the role and floated around the room, dropping hints about my new “project” whatever that may be (wink, wink).  It was really cool to role play, to be someone else for a night, and to meet everyone else’s character.  I knew all along that I had to pick Molly but I didn’t know if they knew that yet.  So I figured this might be a money making opportunity.  I was able to get Molly (Natova) alone and I started to tell her how I may pick her but I needed a little more, how do you say….presidential persuasion, perhaps, or maybe monetary motivation.  At any rate I was able to get her away from Nick who I knew would be less inclined to part with his money.  I wooed Molly for a minute but she wouldn’t go for it.  So I tried Dina.  Dina was easier and I was able to get about $50 out of her.  In the end I told Nick I picked Molly, and they in turn made a big announcement about it.  They also announced their engagement.  

After everyone had their task completed, that’s when things heated up. The lights in the room suddenly went out at the same time a blood curling scream echoed throughout the apartment.  The lights came on a second later only to have Notorious Nick lying face down on the floor “dead.”  Molly Mol went into hysterical grieving throwing herself on his dead body screaming at the top of her lungs (can you say Drama Queen?).   When it was all said and done, we got ourselves another card which had tasks for the second part of the evening.  I basically had to recant my offer to Molly and give it back to Dina, now that Notorious Nick no longer has a hold on me, being that he’s dead and all.
 

And let me say that all the while, pretty much from the word go, people have started working me for money.  Apparently it was common knowledge that Molly Mol and I have been getting it on behind Notorious Nick’s back.  Now I don’t know if that was in the someone’s task or if they just made it up.  At first I was inclined to believe that perhaps that was just supposed to be one of my surprises.  So when I first heard it I figure that would just be my time to add to the murder mystery economy and succumb to the threat.  Wouldn’t you know almost every person at that party, from the Cigarette Girl to the Police Chief were coming up to me trying to shake me down for cash.  I had to pay off like 5 people.  One girl came up to me before Nick and Molly announced their engagement and then after, citing “Now sleeping with his girlfriend is one thing, but now you are sleeping with his fiancée.  I think that deserves another hush-hush payment.” 

So after we mingled again, trying to gain some information on who would want to kill Notorious Nick, which is pretty much everyone, we began to wrap up the whole thing. I won’t say who did it for the sole fact that you may want to do a murder mystery and get this same kit, so I don’t want to ruin it.  I will say it wasn’t me.  At the end there were awards given to best dressed, most conniving (i.e most money) and best actor/actress.  We all filled out a card nominating who we thought deserved what.  The Cigarette Girl took the prize for most money, as she was actually going around passing out shots and collecting tips with the play money.  She also got best dressed.   She had props too so I think that helped her.  But I was most interested in Best Actor.  I really thought I had a shot.  And the Emmy goes to……Natova for her role as Molly Mol!!! I was crushed.  If I wasn’t married to her I would demand a recount.  No actually she did a good job, really got into the part.   I think it was throwing herself onto Nick’s body that won everyone over.  I should have made a scene or something.  It’s okay, next time I know.  

The murder mystery was finished and we closed the night listening to music, dancing a little bit before someone broke out the karaoke.  When you get slightly, and some not so slightly, inebriated adults in front of a karaoke machine…well that’s all she wrote.  For the next two hours we shamelessly butchered hits such as “Bye, Bye, Bye” by N‘Sync, “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, and “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond.  A very little known fact to people other than my wife and immediate family is that I love Neil Diamond songs.  I was actually in the kitchen of the apartment when I heard the music to Sweet Caroline drift into the room.  I literally ran into the main room and lept onto the couch next to “Dina” who was about to sing it, grabbed the other microphone and basically sang that song as if I was alone in my room as I had many a time back when I was around 12 years old (don’t judge me, I listened to Tupac and Biggy too).  I think everyone might have been a bit shocked and confused as to why a 6 foot tall athletic black man is bellowing out this very white song, and doing it so well.  I did confess to them I had, and probably still have, an unhealthy relationship with Neil Diamond songs. 

All in all the night was amazing, very fun and I would love to do another murder mystery.  More posts to come.  We should drop one at least once a week for February so keep checking.  Till next time…