Once Upon A Time…

It was an enchanting evening.  Elizabeth was turning 16 so we gave her a choice.  She told us months ago, “I want a murder mystery party for my birthday.”  In spite of our sly attempts to convince her otherwise, this was her ongoing desire. So, a murder mystery it was.*  The theme: Happily Never After.  (Click on each picture for a larger view.)

Fairy tail maidens and princess brides came dressed to a gala Fairest of them All Ball.  Their names were announced upon arrival as they crossed the wooden drawbridge protected by a dragon, and they made their way into the Grand Ballroom of the castle.

 

 

Upon arrival into the castle, guests were greeted by the Magic Mirror (played by Patrick). All in attendance had an opportunity to ask him questions throughout the night. (Elizabeth’s boyfriend lives in Indiana; he played the Magic Mirror via Google Chat so he could also attend the party.  He didn’t eat much.  The girls really enjoyed “meeting” him.)

 

 

The Ball was hosted by Contessa the evil queen (played by me) in honor of her daughter Snow White’s (Elizabeth) 16th birthday.  The Dad was there, but he didn’t have a special part.  He took some pictures and helped with the entertainment as well as clean-up. He also made the drawbridge!

 

Food consisted of three pigs in a blanket, enchanted eggs, Bo’s meadow, fairy bread, edible magic wands, poison apples, the dragon’s punch, Tinkerbell’s Tea, and of course, a special chocolate birthday cake made especially for the castle.

 

 

In addition, Contessa hired me to create a special ice sculpture in honor of her daughter’s birthday.  It glowed when the candle was lit inside.

 

Throughout the evening Contessa did what she could to convince her darling daughter that she had changed and had given up her evil ways.  She bribed Muffy (Little Miss Muffet played by Lauren) not to disclose their secret agreement: the queen had previoulsy sold the seven dwarfs to Muffy as slaves. Snow missed them terribly and since Contessa knew this would hinder their relationship kept it a secret all night.

In spite of Briar Rose’s (Sleeping Beauty played by Sarah) claims that the queen had caused her deep sleep, Contessa denied any evil intent.  Contessa banned black magic from the kingdom (although the pigs in a blanket suffered same), and honored her daughter with an infamous birthday party to prove her new character.

Rapunzel (Adriana) was wearing a beautiful tiara with rosy cheeks and a big smile.  The smile is covering up her plight. She is being forced out of her tower by Briar Rose (Sleeping Beauty). Briar Rose plans to marry Prince Phillip, and she wants him to acquire the tower where they will have their wedding.  They plan to take over the legacy of Cinderella and Prince Charming.  Rapunzel is running out of time, so she came to this event as an opportunity to voice her opinion to save the tower and the kingdom legacy.

Cinderella (Alexis) and Gretal (Brettney) were glued to one another throughout the evening. They seemed to have a plot of their own! Gretal arrived at the Ball with an intent to clear her name of the homicide with which she was charged many years ago.  It was self defense when she pushed the witch into the oven. Hansel did not witness the murder as he was locked up in a cage. Gretal is happy Briar Rose has awakened from her slumber, as she saw the event and can serve as a witness on Gretal’s behalf.  Rapunzel and Hansel are in love, and plan to marry one day.

Cuddles (Baby Bear, played by the bear) wants to prosecute Goldy (Goldilocks, played by Linzy) to the fullest extent, because of her history of home invasion and thievery. Goldy is here to clear her name and set the record straight.  Bo Peep (Tana) has also complicated matters, as she believes Goldy has stolen her sheep.  This is the third sheep she has lost this year, and people are starting to wonder about her competence as a sheepherder.

Imelda, Cinderella’s step-sister (played by Kristie), was secretly trying to overtake the throne. To stay in her good graces, she helped Contessa out whenever possible in an attempt to gain her favor.  She even washed some dishes! (Thanks Kristie!)

As Snow White was opening her last present, the evening was rudely interrupted by the murder of Briar Rose (this part was quite funny, actually, since the host forgot to tell the victim when she was going to be murdered).  From there the Investigator started her search for the killer.  The girls did an excellent job of playing detective as they reviewed the evidence and came to a determination on whodunit.

Three people figured it out. It turned out to be Gretal after all.  The Queen of Hearts (Sarah’s post-death part) put her in jail and threw away the key.

The girls voted and prizes were awarded for the best dressed, super sleuths, best actress, most money at end, and a special basket was awarded to those who completed the scavenger hunt on the side.  The Frog Prince went to the person who guessed closest to the number of jewels in the vase.  Linzy won best actress, as she was very good at conniving and convincing, while Lauren held a tight second.

 

Sarah won the grand prize, including most money and best dressed.  She won more awards than anyone at the party.

 

 

 

All in all it was a very successful party.  I was glad we did it. Boy was I sore and tired after it was over!!  Thank you Lauren for doing Elizabeth’s hair and make-up!  She was a beautiful Snow White! Thanks Tiffany for loaning us the costume! Thanks to all the players who showed up and did their part.  It was nice to focus on our daughter for the night instead of all the medical curveballs.  Happy 16th Birthday to our darling daughter!  We made some forever memories tonight!  Elizabeth, we love you and you are worth it!

More pictures from the party…

 

 

À la prochaine (Until next time) …

 

*I got the murder mystery package online for a discount, and they provided all the parts as well as party ideas.  Their customer service was top notch, responding to each question with quick replies.  I highly recommend them if ever you want to do a murder mystery in your home.  www.nightofmystery.com.