Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Frank Marquette. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Frank, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

In the early 1990s in Albuquerque, New Mexico, I was struggling as a freelance graphic artist and raising three daughters. My wife encouraged me to scratch my creative by auditioning for a local theater group. I was cast, and after my first performance I was asked to audition for a murder mystery dinner theater company. Dinner theater? How does one perform for an audience who are indulging in food and drink, and possibly heckling the show? Well, I was cast and in a very short period of time I was driven by the idea of turning my passion into a beneficial and profitable venture.

After I learned the craft of dinner theater in Albuquerque, we ventured to Las Vegas, where we launched a murder mystery dinner theater company that thrived for 11 years. Our creative prowess shone as we wrote own shows, performed in renowned resorts, and expanded our repertoire. One notable production, a dinner theater rendition of A Christmas Carol, has stood the test of time and is currently celebrating its impressive 25th year.

Every member of the Marquette family played an important role in the success of Murder Cafe. From acting to sound technology, casting, prop management, and script editing, my wife and three daughters showcased their versatile talents. Mom’s expertise in costume design added an extra layer of authenticity to the performances. Even amidst the chaos of daily life, Murder Cafe remained the focal point of our household.

My dual role as an advertising salesman by day and Joey the Gangster by night exemplified my family’s commitment to their craft. Despite the challenges, the Marquette family’s dedication, creativity, and collaborative spirit not only shaped the success of Murder Cafe but also created unforgettable theater experiences that have captivated audiences for over two decades.

In 2009, a thrilling tale of revival unfolded as Murder Cafe made a triumphant reimagining in the Hudson Valley area of New York State. With a nod to nostalgia, my wife and I returned to our roots, reigniting our passion for mesmerizing murder mystery experiences. Against all odds, we breathed new life back into Murder Cafe, swiftly regaining a level of success that allowed us to use it as his primary source of income.

This success story showcases the dedication and talent behind Murder Cafe’s unique brand of entertainment. Crafting original scripts, casting skilled performers, directing captivating scenes, and engaging in strategic marketing efforts, Our commitment to excellence shone through. The themed scripts offered by Murder Café, included comedy, music and mystery, and they guided audiences toward a happy place.

Nestled in enchanting Ulster County, New York, we found themselves in the vicinity of the illustrious Mohonk Mountain House, perched majestically atop the Shawagunk Mountains. Despite years of hesitation, I finally recognized the allure of this heavenly venue for Murder Café. Since 2017, Murder Café has been producing the resort’s legendary “mystery weekends,” a tradition inaugurated back in 1976 by literary luminaries Stephen King and Donald Westlake. My connection to this iconic venue has expanded over recent years and it now includes A Christmas Carol, local history lectures and a haunted Halloween tour called The Night Watchman.

From Albuquerque, New Mexico, to the vibrant Las Vegas strip, to the scenic Shawagunk Mountain range in New York, Murder Cafe has left its mark in diverse locations, showcasing its widespread popularity and success.

Murder Café might not have made the entire world a better place but ever since I decided to listen to the voices in my head and finally decided to dedicate his life to what fascinated me, saw how I could benefit others. I created a company, and with my family’s support and talents, made a big difference.

Since 1998 Murder Café has entertained over 100,000 people in 7 states and two countries. They have employed over 200 actors and they have helped restaurants, hotels, resorts, and historical sites gain attention and revenue.
The company has helped to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for dozens of non-profits groups and through their “living history” programs and lectures they have introduced thousands of people, from students to seniors, to their local histories. And Murder Café has given corporate America something to laugh about. Over the past 26 years Murder Café has entertained dozens of companies and their employees and that growing list includes Wells Fargo Bank, Home Depot, Kentucky Friend Chicken, Unilock, Paychex and Patek Philippe.

And then there are the schools. Not only has Murder Cafe performed at community colleges and middle schools, they have also been hired to bring their special brand of entertainment to West Point Military Academy, the State University of New York at Albany and the Smithsonian Institute’s Art History Department.

When I received an invitation to audition for a dinner theater company he had no clue that he was about to begin a transformative journey that would change his life and the lives of so many. The evidence is in. Murder Cafe has not only left an indelible mark on their venues and collaborators, but on audiences, all of whom have been comprised of individuals who have gained a fresh perspective on self-discovery and the world at large.

Murder Café’s entertaining and interactive shows stand as a testament to the profound impact of personal growth and shared experiences, enriching lives beyond the confines of traditional entertainment.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

If you give yourself the freedom, and time, to interpret the world around you, whether it is in song, comedy, music, dance or drama, and people respond positively to it. you have achieved something monumental. It is timeless, rewarding and lasting.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

In this day and age, I feel as though we have succeeded if we can entice people to leave their homes and smart TVs, and invest in the experience of live theater. Engaging with audience members, one on one, without the distraction of electronic devices is one of the most rewarding experiences we have.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.murdercafe.net
• Instagram: murdercafe.ny
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysterytheatreny

Image Credits

Photos by Frank Marquette