To experience Agatha’s dinner mystery theatre is to experience the laughter, delicious food, and dedicated fan base of nearly two decades. While pricey, the downtown date spot is worth every penny for a night filled with gourmet eats and hilarious tricks and treats.
The ambiance of Agatha’s new PeachtreeCenter location is romantic but laid-back. For a place that could take itself entirely too seriously and require black-tie attire, Agatha’s seems to realize that its patrons are simply there for a good time.
In keeping with the relaxed perspective, dressed-down guests are greeted at the door by one of two actors (the only actors in the play). From the very beginning, the actors are in character-the most recent show is the reality-show spoof “Must Die TV” starring Donald Trumpet and Martha Pew-wart-and discuss the events of the night and the role each guest will play.
Everyone who attends an Agatha’s show has a role, speaking or otherwise. However, no one is required to do anything with which they are uncomfortable. There is always a fake murder involved, and the mystery unravels as the four short acts, interspersed between courses, take place.
While the actors ham it up for optimum audience participation, in between acts, various intervals of a five-course dinner are served. The portions are small and some of the food a little high-brow for the average college student, but by the end of the night one is guaranteed to leave full and fulfilled from the delicacies Agatha’s offers.
For a true understanding of Agatha’s, one must talk to a true fan of the outfit. Carole Johnson has been an avid Agatha’s fan for ten years and has been to over 40 shows, some multiple times. When asked whether her favorite theatre was worth the $50-plus price tag, Johnson responded enthusiastically.
“It absolutely is (worth it)!” she gushed. “(You) get an excellent play, you never wonder if it’s going to be good or not, (and) you know you’re going to laugh the whole evening. You get an excellent white-linen service dinner served. Tax, tip, gratuity- everything’s included. I’ve taken lots of people there… I’ve never had anyone go either with me or on my recommendation that did not completely love it.”
Johnson also mentioned that for the money it would cost to see a play at a place like the Fox Theatre, one could instead go to Agatha’s and have dinner included.
Johnson has become personally close to most of the Agatha’s staff and cast members over the years, and feels completely at home there. She believes the new location will benefit business for the ever-growing, but still charming theatre.
I think business will be a little bit better, and one of the big reasons for that is because they can seat more people, whereas I know in the past, they always would have a waiting list,” Johnson reflected. “I think sometimes when people know you have a waiting list, they tend to not go as often.”
One suggestion Johnson has for anyone considering going to Agatha’s is to not limit oneself during the first course.
“They do a course an act, a course an act, a course an act,” she said. “So by the time you get to your entree, it’s been a while. So if you go in hungry, eat heavy hors d’oeuvres.”
Regardless of anything else, Johnson says that fun is always in store at Agatha’s.
“If you want to have a good time, go to Agatha’s,” she states. “You’re going to laugh and you’re going to eat good.”
Agatha’s mystery dinner theatre is located at 161 Peachtree Center Avenue. Shows are Monday-Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ($52.50 per person), Friday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ($62.50 per person), and Sunday at 6 p.m. ($62.50 per person). Reservations are required.
