BWW Reviews: The MAGICAL MURDERY TOUR Rolls Down the Tracks at The Mystery Train in Kansas City

The Magical Murdery Tour opened on Friday September 5 at the Golden Ox restaurant in Kansas City, Mo. Written by Michael M. Dragen the The Mystery Train production is directed by Wendy Thompson. The Golden Ox and Californos in Westport share the stage for the dinner theater that runs through October 25.

In 1964, the Beatles performed a half hour concert at Municipal Stadium, which was paid for by Charles Finley the owner of the Kansas City Athletics. The Magical Murdery Tour is the story of a band of Beatles sound a likes on a train bound for Kansas City to attempt to capitalize on the concert of the famed Fab Four, by duping the public into believing they are the Beatles.

Jojo Nono, Sally Simpson, Joanna S., Eldon Parsley, and Phil McCarthy all characters in the play were cast from members of the audience. Nikki Susco-Taylor, a veteran of the Mystery Train, plays the conductor and had her hands full keeping the script on track (excuse the pun).

Erik J. Pratt plays Ryan Epsen the manager of the Beagles and appears as Ted Mulligan a talk show host on the train to interview the band of imposters. Pratt is very funny as the loud, obnoxious, controlling band manager who has little respect for the band. He performs regularly around the country as a juggler and clown.

Josh Morrow and Trevor Tournear make their debut at the Mystery Train complete with British accents. Morrow is superb as Jim Lemmon the John Lennon imposter who wants to leave the band with Phil McCarthy. Tournear plays Django Moon (Ringo Starr) and is marvelous as the band member who is not the brightest star in the sky.

The Magical Murdery Tour begins as the diners receive instructions, while enjoying appetizers and drinks from the cash bar. Once the conductor declares the train has begun to move, the play begins. At the end of Act I, a mixed green salad is served. At the end of Act II, the diners enjoy a main course of steak, chicken, or fish. Act III begins after the dinner plates are removed and ends with desert. The final act reveals the solution to the murder and awards are given.

The Magical Murdery Tour is highly entertaining and the dinner at either restaurant is superb. Purchase tickets at 816-235-6222 or online at The Mystery Train website. Photo courtesy of The Mystery Train.

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