Marriage Can Be Murder

A Fun Night Out at the Great Smoky Mountain Murder Mystery Dinner Show

If you’re considering a night of laughs, mystery, and good food in Pigeon Forge, the Marriage Can Be Murder show is worth a look. We haven’t done it ourselves, but looking at the reviews and details, it’s clear this experience offers a lively, interactive evening that many find memorable. Expect a mix of comedy, a three-course meal, and a chance to play detective—all in a casual, family-friendly setting.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines humor with a bit of audience participation, making everyone feel part of the story. Plus, the three-course country-style meal aims to satisfy without breaking the bank. On the flip side, some guests have pointed out that the venue isn’t the most polished and that food quality can vary. Overall, it’s best suited for those who enjoy a lighthearted, interactive show and don’t mind a bit of cheese along the way.

If you’re after a unique evening that mixes comedy with a mystery, and you’re okay with some variability in the food or venue ambiance, this could be just the ticket. It’s particularly good if you’re traveling with friends or family who love a good laugh and a little bit of sleuthing.

Key Points

• Interactive experience: You’ll help solve a murder during the show, adding a fun element of participation.
• Dinner included: A three-course country-style meal, including soup, fried chicken or pulled pork, and dessert.
• Affordable entertainment: At around $52.95 per person, it offers a reasonably priced night of entertainment.
• Flexible timing: The show starts at 5:00 pm, making it easy to fit into an evening plans.
• Mixed reviews on quality: Some guests rave about the humor and food, while others find the venue and meal lacking.
• Family-friendly vibe: Suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed and most people able to participate.

What to Expect from the Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

The main attraction is the Great Smoky Mountain Murder Mystery Dinner Show, set in a venue where you join the audience for a lively, comedic whodunit. The storyline revolves around Michael and Lisa’s wedding day, which quickly spirals into chaos—bodies start hitting the floor, and it’s up to you to piece clues together before the show ends. The setting is designed to be engaging, with cast members actively interacting with the audience, drawing everyone into the fun.

The Meal

The meal is a big part of the experience. Expect a three-course country-style dinner with options like soup of your choice, fried chicken breast, pulled pork BBQ, mashed potatoes, green beans, a biscuit with white pepper gravy, and cheese cake for dessert. Be aware that some reviewers found the food to be hit-or-miss—while others thought it was just okay. One guest described the main course as “terrible,” with dry fried chicken and soggy vegetables, leading to an early departure. That said, many people enjoy the homey, casual vibe and consider the meal decent for the price.

The Show and Atmosphere

Guests report a wide range of experiences. Some find the show hilarious, with clever audience interaction and good comedic timing. One reviewer called it “side-splitting comedy” and watched it again later. Others, however, felt the production was a bit amateurish, with poor sound or cheesy acting. The venue itself might look less like a theater and more like a converted office space, which can be a downside if you’re expecting a polished setting.

The Location and Duration

The show runs for approximately 2 hours—a manageable length for an evening adventure. The starting time is 5:00 pm, which works well if you’re planning to enjoy other activities later or just want an early dinner-and-show combo. Since no hotel transportation is included, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from the venue.

The Experience from Reviews

Many guests love the interactive and humorous nature of the show. For example, one reviewer raved, “Absolutely amazing from start to finish, welcoming and laughing from the moment you walk in till you leave. Good food, great service, good show—highly recommend.” On the opposite end, some found the venue too crowded or the acting cheesy, leading to disappointment. Comments like “Very amateurish and overpriced” highlight that expectations for production quality can vary widely.

Food seems to be a mixed bag. Some guests enjoyed the home-style, country meal, noting it’s a good value for what you pay. Others mention that the main course was inedible or disappointing enough to leave before dessert. It’s clear that while the meal is included in the ticket price, it isn’t the main reason most people go—it’s the show and the fun, interactive element that stands out.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $52.95 per person, this dinner show isn’t overly expensive considering it combines entertainment with a meal. For many, it’s a good value, especially if you’re looking for something different and light-hearted. The inclusion of a three-course meal adds convenience, saving you the hassle of dining out separately. However, the variability in review ratings suggests that if you’re a foodie or expecting a gourmet experience, you might be disappointed.

For those who just want a fun night out, ready to laugh and participate, this show can be quite enjoyable. Just keep in mind that some guests felt the venue and production quality were subpar. If you’re okay with a casual, sometimes cheesy murder mystery with a relaxed vibe, it’s likely to entertain.

Who Should Consider This?

This experience is best suited to those who enjoy interactive comedy, are looking for casual entertainment, and aren’t overly concerned with high-end ambiance. It’s ideal for groups of friends, couples, or families who enjoy humor and don’t mind a bit of cheese. If you’re traveling with kids who can handle some audience participation and don’t mind the informal setting, it can be a fun activity.

However, if you prefer polished productions or have high expectations for food quality, you might find this experience falling short. It’s also worth noting that it’s not a romantic dinner for couples seeking an intimate atmosphere, but more of a lively, communal event.

FAQs

Is there a dress code for the show?
There’s no official dress code, but casual attire is perfectly fine. Most guests wear comfortable clothes suitable for an evening out.

How long is the show?
The entire experience lasts about 2 hours, starting at 5:00 pm.

Is the food vegetarian-friendly?
The description emphasizes a country-style meal with options like fried chicken or pulled pork, so vegetarians might find limited choices unless special arrangements are available. It’s best to check directly with the provider if you have dietary restrictions.

Do I need to pre-book?
Yes, pre-booking is recommended since the experience is often booked about 47 days in advance, and securing your spot ensures you won’t miss out.

Are children allowed?
Most travelers can participate; the experience is generally suitable for most ages. Service animals are also permitted.

Is transportation included?
No, the ticket price doesn’t include hotel pick-up or drop-off, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience. Canceling less than that means no refund.

Is seating assigned?
The details don’t specify, but since it’s a relatively informal venue, seating might be on a first-come, first-served basis or assigned upon arrival. It’s best to arrive a bit early.

Is alcohol available?
Yes, beer and wine coolers are available at additional cost, alongside soda and coffee.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a lively, humorous evening that mixes audience participation with a hearty country meal, Marriage Can Be Murder offers a reasonably priced option in Pigeon Forge. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy interactive comedy and are flexible about production quality and food. The mixed reviews suggest that your experience may depend heavily on expectations—some will find it a hilarious, memorable night, while others might see it as a cheesy, underwhelming event.

Ultimately, this show caters well to those who want a fun, casual night out with friends or family, especially if they’re open to a bit of silliness and don’t mind the occasional rough edge. If you’re after a polished dinner theater with high-quality food, you might want to explore other options. But for a relaxed, entertaining murder mystery filled with laughs, this show could be just what you need.