Greenman Theatre Troupes latest murder mystery production, Speakeasy or Die Hard, brings dinner and a show to a whole new level. Taking a different spin on traditional theatre, the banquet room at Angelos Ristorante, 247 N. York Rd., Elmhurst will be transformed into a 1920s speakeasy. Audience members join in by becoming an integral part of the plot as they enjoy cocktails and dinner all while watching and interacting with the actors as the story unfolds around them.

This is the sixth murder mystery dinner show we have done since we started in 2006, said David Soria, Greenman Theatre Company artistic director and Westchester resident. We do one every year as a fundraiser for the company and also as a way to do something different creatively to connect with different audiences.

For this show, which will open at 7 p.m. Friday Feb. 19 and run for two weekends until Feb. 28, the company has produced an original script written by director and Western Springs resident Carolyn Thomas-Davidoff. It is the story of prohibition, missing jewels, mistaken identities and love tangles complete with singing, dancing and of coursemurder.

Setting it in the 20s was particularly exciting for Thomas-Davidoff who spent months researching the time period ensuring the pieces authenticity. She dug deep into the lives of flapper girls, intimated herself with the nuances of the 1919 red scare and became well versed in the periods slang.

People werent allowed to officially serve alcohol, Thomas-Davidoff said. They claimed they had a blind pig or blind tiger. They would charge to see it and give you the drink. So that is where the term comes from.

In addition to an action-packed script, what makes this style of theatre so exciting, Thomas-Davidoff said, is the unexpected performance elements that are unique to each show. Unlike traditional theatre where there is an imaginary line, called the fourth wall, that separates the audience from the stage, in this setting there is no such thing. Audience and actors are together in the playing space, which can lead to unexpected albeit entertaining results.

I love how close we are to the audience and the fact that the actors interact with them, Thomas-Davidoff said. It is theatre without a net. It has all the joy of performing, but it is a little risky as well.

For cast members like Carl Zeitler, a Glen Ellyn resident who plays Tommy and Detective John McClain, the audience interaction is the best part of his job.

Before the show starts there is an hour where the actors mingle and talk to the audience, Zeitler said. You stay in character and they get a sense of whos who. It makes them feel more invested in the show and it makes it more enjoyable for everyone.

Tickets are $45 and include dinner. Reservations are required. For more information, go to greenmantheatretroupe.blogspot.com or call 630-464-2646.

By Elizabeth Vassolo | TribLocal.com reporter

Photos submitted by Ken Beach