On Thursday, October 15th, 2015, University Programs Council hosted its annual Murder Mystery Dinner featuring The Whethermen.
The event took place in Garden Room E, above West Range Café. Tickets, which went on sale on Friday, October 10th, sold out within 45 minutes for both the October 15th and the October 22nd show.
Students at the University of Virginia were able to purchase up to two tickets for one show, and tickets were $5 in the Student Activities Center (SAC). A total of 160 students have or will attend the event, with 80 students in attendance each night.
From 7PM to 8:30PM, guests were welcomed into the Garden Room by both University Programs Council (UPC) members and The Whethermen, who were in character. Attendees in semi-formal wear enjoyed a catered three-course meal and show, put on by the improv-comedy group.
“It was just so much fun doing something out of the ordinary! How often do you to a murder mystery dinner?” exclaims Jamie Albert, a second year student who attended the event. “They [The Whethermen] were so enthusiastic and into their characters!”
The Whethermen and UPC begin planning around a month out from the event. As UPC handles the logistics of the event, including space and catering, The Whethermen work on the performance aspects. Combined, the two groups deliver a who-done-it style dinner show that is not offered elsewhere on Grounds.
“My favorite part of the event is the quality show that The Whethermen put on. They are consistently excellent in their performances,” says Chris Hoffa, second year and member of the UPC committee that put together the event.
As both UPC and The Whethermen gear up for another show this Thursday, October 22nd, Chris and his co-program coordinator are anticipating another successful night.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the reactions and happiness of the people who attend the event. That is what makes the events worth planning.”
If you want to learn more about University Programs Council, you can visit their website or check them out on Facebook. To learn more about The Whethermen, check them out here.
