Last Call at the Blue Lantern
Behind a flower shop on Clark Street, the Blue Lantern pours the best gin in Chicago. At eleven o'clock, owner Gus Harlow stopped the band and made an announcement: somebody in this room has been feeding the Prohibition agents, and at midnight Gus will name them. At 11:40 the lights went out. One shot. When the lights came back, Gus was dead behind the bar.
The suspects
No spoilers here. Every character has a secret, a costume and a reason to fear midnight.
The star of the Blue Lantern. When Billie sings, the whole room goes quiet. Gus Harlow owns Billie's contract, and everyone knows it.
Has poured drinks at the Blue Lantern since the day it opened. Knows every regular's order, every debt and every hiding place behind the bar.
Supplies the gin, whiskey and champagne for half the speakeasies on the North Side, including the Blue Lantern. Rich lately. Very rich.
A regular for the last two months who never misses Billie's set and never seems to finish a drink. Asks a lot of friendly questions.
Heir to the Rhodes railroad fortune, engaged to a senator's son, and absolutely not supposed to be in a place like this.
Plays piano at the end of the bar six nights a week. Brilliant, broke, and owed three months of wages.
Sells cigarettes, cigars and gossip from a tray around the Blue Lantern. Sees everything, says a lot.
Runs the tiny kitchen behind the bar, where the sandwiches are thick and the coffee is strong.
Captain at the Clark Street precinct. Officially, Max has never heard of the Blue Lantern. Unofficially, Max drinks here for free.
Guards the door behind the flower shop. Nobody gets into the Blue Lantern without the password and Mickey's nod.
Owns the Green Door, the Blue Lantern's flashier rival across town. Here tonight to gloat, or to shop.
The best dancer on the Blue Lantern floor and Gus's old flame. Still seems to have a key to Gus's office.
What is in the game
- A private invitation for every guest, with their character, personality tips and a costume idea.
- Three acts of secrets and clues that unlock on each guest's phone when you announce the password.
- A read-aloud host script, with an opening, the evidence for each act and the accusation round.
- A sealed solution that explains the murder, the clues that gave it away, and every guest's secret.
Costume guide
Guests do not need to match these exactly. A mask and one detail go a long way.
- Billie Blue, The Singer: Sequins or a sharp suit, a feather or fedora, and a long string of pearls. Bring a toy microphone if you have one.
- Teddy Marsh, The Bartender: Rolled shirt sleeves, a waistcoat, sleeve garters and a bow tie. Carry a bar towel over your shoulder.
- Rory Dalton, The Bootlegger: A pinstripe suit, suspenders and a flat cap or fedora. Never without a cheroot (a candy cigarette will do).
- Jo Callahan, The Jazz Fan: A newsboy cap or cloche hat, a trench coat, and a notebook you pretend is for song lyrics.
- Sydney Rhodes, The Heiress: Whatever says old money: fur stole, silk, a long cigarette holder, a cloche hat or a silk scarf.
- Lou Kessler, The Piano Player: Suspenders, a loosened tie, rolled sleeves and a straw boater or fedora. Wiggle your fingers a lot.
- Dixie Lane, The Cigarette Girl: A pillbox hat or cap, a tray of candy cigarettes, and a big smile.
- Georgie Bell, The Cook: An apron, a kerchief or chef's cap, and a wooden spoon.
- Max Whitaker, The Police Captain: A police cap or a detective's trench coat and hat. A badge if you have one.
- Mickey Flynn, The Doorman: A flat cap, a heavy coat and a very serious face. Guard the door.
- Ace Wexley, The Rival Club Owner: A white dinner jacket or flashy suit, a carnation in the lapel, and a gold watch chain.
- Morgan Pryce, The Dancer: Something you can dance in: fringe, a headband with a feather, or spats and a bow tie.
How many players?
The mystery needs at least 6 players, and the first 6 characters hold every clue needed to solve it. Characters 7 to 12 add more secrets, more red herrings and more witnesses. Characters work for anyone: any guest can play any role.
Host it this weekend
Included with the $12 Party Pass, for up to 12 players. No app, no sign-up, nothing to print.
Host The Blue Lantern