Murder at the Mansion: An Edgar Allan Poe Mystery Party Coming to Jersey City This April
Jersey City’s Barrow Mansion transforms into a scene of suspense and intrigue on April 25th for an unforgettable night of interactive theater.
This spring, Jersey City’s historic Barrow Mansion is hosting Murder at the Mansion: An Edgar Allan Poe Mystery Party — a fully immersive murder mystery party set in the atmospheric world of America’s most celebrated gothic storyteller. The event takes place on Friday, April 25th, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., and tickets are on sale now.
Step Inside the World of Edgar Allan Poe
The year is the 1840s. Edgar Allan Poe is at the height of his career and is throwing a lavish party to promote his new literary magazine, The Stylus. The guest list is as eclectic as Poe’s own imagination with Jersey City’s most prominent patrons and colorful characters from Poe’s storied life in attendance.
What begins as a joyful, glittering evening quickly descends into something far more sinister. Secrets surface. Suspense builds. And before the night is over, someone will be dead.
Every guest holds a clue, including you!
This is not your typical dinner theater. Murder at the Mansion is fully interactive, and every ticket holder becomes a character in the play. Approximately two weeks before the event, attendees will receive their character description via email — including a backstory, costume suggestions, and exclusive gossip to share (or withhold) on the night.
To solve the mystery, guests must engage with one another, exchange clues, and piece together information from fellow partygoers and artifacts hidden throughout the mansion. The killer is among you. Can you figure out who it is?
About the Production
Murder at the Mansion: An Edgar Allan Poe Mystery Party is an original immersive theater experience created by a collaborative team of writers, directors, and producers who share a passion for interactive performance and narrative game design. The production blends elements of theater, history, and mystery to create an experience in which every guest has a role to play.
First staged at the historic Highlands Mansion and Gardens in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, the production received enthusiastic praise from audiences. Each performance is uniquely tailored to the history and architecture of its venue, making every staging a one-of-a-kind experience.
About the Team
Carolyn Dabney-Tatko, Producer
Carolyn brings a background in education and community engagement to her role as producer. A former teacher with experience managing and motivating groups, she has built a reputation for creating memorable, detail-driven experiences. She is the founder of EAGLE of Ambler, a community events organization, and has organized and led art and creative writing classes and community events throughout the region.
Alex Nobert, Writer & Director
Alex is a New York City-based playwright and director whose work centers on interactive theater and social narrative. She holds a degree in history from the University of Chicago, which informs the richly researched historical worlds she brings to the stage. In addition to writing and directing traditional productions, she specializes in immersive murder mystery experiences that challenge audiences to become active participants in the story.
Madeline Nobert, Writer & Technical Coordinator
Madeline is an accomplished theater technician and writer with experience in both professional and collegiate theater. A senior at Bryn Mawr College, she has served as costume designer, stage manager, and director for numerous productions across Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges. She is the founder of the Electric Hour Theater at Bryn Mawr College, under which she has written, directed, and produced original works.
Event Details at a Glance
Date: Friday, April 25, 2025
Doors Open: 6:30 p.m. | Event Start: 7:00 p.m. | End: 9:30 p.m.
Location: Barrow Mansion, Jersey City, NJ
Age Requirement: 21+ only
Price: Tickets are $65.00
Attire: Period costume encouraged but not required — dress as your character sees fit
Refreshments: Light snacks provided; cash bar with beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages available
Accessibility: The Barrow Mansion is ADA accessible, with a chair lift from the courtyard to the porch and an elevator to the lower floor. For additional accommodation needs, contact communications@barrowmansion.org
Important Things to Know Before You Buy
Tickets are non-refundable. Because each character is individually designed and woven into the fabric of the mystery, roles cannot be easily reassigned once purchased. If you buy a ticket and later cannot attend, please notify the event coordinator as soon as possible — some characters are closely intertwined, and the storyline may need to be adjusted.
This event is designed for adults. No one under the age of 21 will be admitted.
Don’t Miss One of Jersey City’s Most Unique Nights Out
Murder at the Mansion offers something truly rare: the chance to live inside a story. Whether you’re a lifelong Poe enthusiast, a murder mystery fan, or simply looking for an extraordinary night out in Jersey City, this event delivers an experience unlike anything else this spring.
Tickets are limited — secure yours before they’re gone.
Get Tickets Now
What Audiences Are Saying
“The most comprehensively written, well acted, and immersive murder mystery I’ve ever done — and I’ve participated in a lot of them.” — Cheryl F.
“The play was very well written with very detailed information about the characters. This made it easy for participants to discuss their characters with others as the mystery unfolded.” — Donna R.
“The evening was very well planned with phenomenal attention to even the smallest details. It was highly interactive for all the guests and a fun way to spend time with friends.” — Amy E.
“What a wonderful event! The actor portrayals were spot on and the mystery and suspense was amazing — an evening I was so glad to have experienced.” — Leeza W.