“Something to die for” was definitely the opinion of guests at the Chicago Opera Theater’s recent gala which raised $170,000.
The Murder at the Opera Gala was designed as a fully immersive experience which invited guests to step inside the story rather than simply observe it. In advance of the event, guests received a concert review by the venomous critic Basin Snide which inspired someone to commit murder.
From the moment they arrived, attendees encountered a staged “crime scene” and were encouraged to explore a range of clues: a detailed forensics report, physical evidence tied to famous operatic deaths, and written materials that hinted at possible motives.
Throughout the evening, they also met the suspects: five singers whose characters were each inspired by iconic operatic murderers. Instead of traditional introductions, each suspect made their case—or deepened the suspicion—through live aria performances, giving guests both dramatic context and musical insight into their character.
Guests were then invited to play detective—piecing together the evidence and ultimately casting their vote for who they believed killed Snide, the evening’s victim.
The culprit was Quinn Millecento whose method paid homage to the poisoned flowers in the opera Adriana Lecouvreur, first performed in Milan in 1902. It was a satisfying twist that rewarded those who picked up on the more subtle clues woven throughout the evening.
Congratulations to COT for one killer benefit.
