A bookshelf creaks open to reveal a hidden door in the back of Dr. Tumblety’s old-timey curiosity shop, and people begin to slip into the narrow room that stretches the length of the building. Antique oddities and once-stately furniture line its walls. Step closer and you see red lights gleaning off pennies arranged into intricate patterns underneath a bartop. Music is playing. You’ve been transported to an old-fashioned speakeasy.

Though the scene may already sound fantastical, it’s about to get another layer of intrigue — a murder. Notorious playboy Jami Starling has been found dead, and you, the audience, must solve the mystery. A classic whodunit but with a twist: the suspects are all performers — burlesque dancers, drag kings, and a jazz singer — from a local troupe called the Velvet Hearts!. Investigator Britsa N’Ass leads the proceedings as, one-by-one, Venus Stardust, Rebel Royale, Leah Nightingale, Esai!, Iris Adair, Brutus Rex, Vesper Lamarr, Ra!, Sara Bellum, and Alana Afterdark all take the stage; their acts offer potential clues as to who is capable of such a heinous act. (Spoiler alert: None of these suspects exude innocence.) Ultimately, it is up to you to decide who will be led away in cuffs.

If you missed this March event, never fear, we sent our brave crime photographer to record the evidence.

Tickets for future Velvet Hearts! performances can be purchased here.

The Storyville Lounge and its aptly dressed guests
Jami Starling introduces himself as “a genius, billionaire, and the reason why you’re all here this evening.”
A view from the audience shortly before the murder of Jami Starling
Detective Britsa N’Ass takes command of the investigation.
The only witness
Venus Stardust — business partner and fixer for Jami Starling — steps forward as the night’s first suspect.
Venus Stardust has a surprise in store for the audience.
This speakeasy won’t shut down for a small thing like murder.
A mysterious trenchcoated figure (Rebel Royale) licks their blade dreamily.
We learn Rebel Royale is an investigative journalist who was fired after writing an exposé on Jami Starling.
Rebel Royale proves that they’re not that innocent.
A flashback to Jami Starling killing Rebel Royale’s story
Silent film star Leah Nightingale comes to her own defense … with a literal sword.
Leah Nightingale’s case proves to be a real balancing act.
A female figure bathed in red light watches the stage.
Starlet Esai and her singing straw
Esai sings a tune but confesses nothing.
Detective Britsa N’Ass continues the investigation.
Scorned lover Iris Adair takes the stage.
Iris Adair recalls casting a love spell.
This witchy woman (Iris Adair) shows no remorse.
The audience looks on in awe.
Jami Starling’s estranged brother Brutus Rex
Brutus Rex shares his feelings.
Vesper Lamarr, Jami Starling’s undervalued assistant, takes the stage.
Vesper Lamarr spins a tale of unrequited love.
The passion of the moment sweeps up Vesper Lamarr. Did the same thing happen at the time of Jami Starling’s murder?
Flashback to Jami Starling and Brutus Rex striking a deal with shadowman Ra
Ra makes a dark pact.
Ra revels in acquiring two new souls.
Detective Britsa N’Ass returns to bring more evidence forward.
Distracted by the portrait in her hands, secretary Sara Bellum forgets that she’s in the middle of an investigation.
Sara Bellum reveals that unrequited love can go both ways: wrapped up in her love for Jami Starling, Vesper Lamarr had ignored the affections of her co-worker.
Sara Bellum smiles with rage.
Backstage, maid Alana Afterdark tidies herself up.
The audience learns that Alana Afterdark was dismissed after a night of passion with Jami Starling.
Alana Afterdark diligently inspects the floor.
An audience vote reveals Sara Bellum to be Jami Starling’s murderer.
Sara Bellum is led away in cuffs.
Honey Hellcat sells raffle tickets for the bail fund.
The cast gathers to celebrate.
Antique photos on display in Dr. Tumblety’s Time-Inspired Specialty Shop as the audience exits the show