Since 1989, Murder Ink Productions has brought its interactive murder mysteries to corporate events and private parties throughout Arizona. This year it celebrates 35 years of immersive shows that let the audience “get into the act” to solve a hilarious crime.
The company kicks off their 2024-25 season with Mafioso Murders Aug. 9 at Buca di Beppo Arrowhead in Peoria.
The murder mystery dinner show, set in the 1930s, takes place at a Godfather's 75th birthday party when a rival family appears.
When a “murder” occurs at the party, it’s up to the audience to solve the crime using clues.
“What makes these shows so much fun is that the audience has to work together to figure out the mystery. People can let down their hair, get silly, and even play a part in the show,” said Greg Lutz, Murder Ink’s owner and actor. “These shows are great for NCIS fans, friends looking for a special night out, or people who just want to have a good time."
To add to the interactive experience, audience members are encouraged to dress in the era of the show, although this is optional.
Murder Ink Productions was founded in Phoenix in 1989.
The entertainment company specializes in interactive murder mystery dinner shows for the public, performances for private and corporate parties, team-building events, weekend mystery getaways, celebrity impersonators for grand opening events and product launches, and other services.
Lutz estimates that Murder Ink has performed more than 3,000 shows through the years including productions for Honeywell and Morton’s Steak Houses of Chicago.
Murder Ink’s popular dinner show themes include Who Shot the Sheriff, a spoof of Westerns and Lights, Camera, MURDER, a groovy mystery set in the 1960s. Creative new show titles are Pulp Kitchen…Killers, Zombie Queen Revenge, and Star Wrek: The Next Generalization. Admission includes a three-course meal. Cocktails are available for an additional charge.
Lutz has been acting with Murder Ink since its inception. A film, stage, and TV performer, he landed his first film role as the deputy in the cult comedy Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure the same year.
He took over ownership of the company in 2016.
In addition to Murder Ink and a long list of movie roles, including a part in 2023’s "Flaming Hot" directed by actress Eva Longoria, he is widely known for his work in television and commercials.
His recent TV appearances include playing District Attorney Brett Dalton on a CBS All Access show, Interrogation, and a recurring role on Walker Independence on the CW Network.
On stage, Lutz has performed in several productions of the iTheatre collaborative. In 2017, he was honored with “Best Performance in a Non-Equity Production” for his role in Eugene O’Neill’s Hughie.
He has also appeared in classic TV shows including Knots Landing, Beverly Hills 90210, The Wonder Years, and Remington Steele.
A true Renaissance man, Lutz customizes shows for each venue, special event, or private party. He has written several shows for Murder Ink including Mafioso Murders and Never Say Murder Again based on James Bond films.
In addition to murder mysteries, Lutz performs throughout the Southwest as Jackie Fontaine. Based on “cheesy lounge lizards from the 1970s,” Jackie entertains at special events and private parties. As Jackie, Lutz has performed for legendary rocker Alice Cooper and the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the character appears annually at the Arizona State Fair.
While murder mysteries have been around since the 80s, Lutz said that the genre has become revitalized in recent years with Escape Rooms and other forms of experiential entertainment and the popularity of hit crime shows such as CSI.
The company also creates immersive mysteries for in-person private parties and via Zoom. Longtime clients like author Charles Irions have used the company several times to entertain. “Murder Ink ran with my event idea and my guests had a unique, fulfilling experience. Many asked to do it again!” So we did… three times!”
Mafioso Murders is being presented on Aug. 9, at Buca di Beppo, 16091 N. Arrowhead Fountains Center Dr. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., followed by the show and a three-course dinner at 7 pm.
Tickets and dinner menu options are available at www.murderinkproductions.com. Tickets are $75 each and include the meal. Space is limited.
Lutz adds, “Our shows let the audience have fun, laugh, enjoy a great meal, and meet new friends. What could be better?”
For more information about Murder Ink Productions, visit www.murderinkproductions.com or call 480-699-8300.
Murder Ink is located at 3030 N. Central Ave, Suite 704-8, Phoenix, Arizona 85012
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