Stage Scene
Audience solves mystery

By Jean Chow
Advertiser Staff Writer

•	"All Star Murder Mystery" Debut: 6 p.m. Sunday; doors open at 5 p.m. Regular showtimes: 6 p.m. Sundays; doors open at 5 p.m. All Star Hawaii restaurant, 2080 Kalakaua Ave. $15 (not including dinner) – reservations required 945-9700

The show, which was written specifically for the sports-theme restaurant by local comedian Ray Bumatai, starts off as a typical sports banquet when suddenly a "murder" occurs and the body is discovered.

The audience is pulled into the action, interrogated by police officers about what they saw or heard prior to the crime. By the end of the night, with the help of the audience, the culprit is determined and the crime is solved — differently each time.

"The show is crafted in a way that people just want to get involved," said Karen Brilliande Bumatai, creator and producer of the murder mystery. "(They) love interacting with the actors, knowing that they're on the spot."

While the show changes each time it's performed, there is a script, Karen Bumatai said. "There are many opportunities for the actors to go into free-range acting, as long as it's funny."

Part of the appeal of the show is that it's geared toward Hawai'i residents, she said. The play incorporates and pokes fun at local current events, and the audience is encouraged to take part in the banter.

This is the first time an interactive show has been done in a restaurant setting in Hawai'i. The show starts Sunday and will be running every Sunday night after that. While the play begins at 6 p.m., actors may reveal clues at 5:30 p.m., so guests are encouraged to arrive by then.