CASE 003 · Murder mystery
A stage light falls during a private rehearsal at the Orpheum Theatre. Meet the four people backstage before you investigate the producer's death.
The story begins
The Orpheum is lit for its last rehearsal. Opening night is close, and producer Vivian Frost wants everything to go well. The actor, composer, carpenter and costume designer each have work to finish.
The curtain rises for the final scene. At 22:06, a stage light falls and kills Vivian onstage. Rehearsal stops. You must search the theatre and check the accounts of four people who were there.
Behind the stage at the Orpheum
The show offers one person a chance to rebuild a career. For another, it features music they wrote. A family workshop and borrowed costumes also tie people to the theatre. This building is their workplace as well as a stage.
This is a private rehearsal. The stage manager controlled who could reach the stage and the walkway above it. Police have checked the records and where the other crew members were. Those later checks are part of your case file.
The four people you will question
Adrian Vale
The lead actor
A lead actor hoping to revive his career.
Beatrice Chen
The composer
The composer and rehearsal pianist.
Miles Kestrel
The carpenter
His family rents the basement workshop.
Leila Ward
The costume designer
She lent the production her mother's costumes.
Check the stories from backstage
The lead actor is only one person to question. The composer, carpenter and costume designer all have their own ties to the show. Give each of them the same care as the person in the spotlight.
You do not need to know theatre terms before you begin. Use the descriptions and records in the case. Note exactly what each person says. “I was busy backstage” is too vague if a clue gives a more precise place or time.
What to expect when you play
The opening introduces Vivian and the people working on the show. The game then gives you a scene to search and interviews to read. The clues you need stay in the game, ready for you to find.
Untimed practice lets you read the accounts at your own pace. In timed mode, leave time to check your answer before submitting. You need who, how and when, plus a statement and the clue that proves it wrong.
Choose your pace
Tap Begin investigation to start a new five-minute attempt. The clock keeps running if you leave or close the game. To play without a clock, choose Untimed practice on the case summary.
You can submit your final answer once per attempt. New to the game? Read how to play before you begin.
Content notes
This fictional story includes murder, a death onstage and fears about work or family possessions. The opening shows part of Vivian's body without visible injury.
Useful detective skills
These guides help you check clues and statements. They do not give away this case's answer.
- Tell facts from guesses
Check what a clue shows before adding your own ideas about what happened.
- Spot a false statement
Compare a suspect's exact words with what a clue tells you.
Other cases to explore
- The Silent Exhibit
Explore a museum after another private event ends in death.
- A Brush with Deception
Investigate a missing painting at a gallery where nobody has been hurt.