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Online immersive theatrical experience through the Geffen Stayhouse
90 Minutes • No Intermission
THE SHOW
True crime detectives, the game is afoot. In this virtual show based on an unsolved 1920s Hollywood murder, audience members become the sleuths in a case that mixes theater, mystery, and collaborative code-breaking. Guided by best-selling true crime author Mickie McKittrick, you and your fellow detectives will uncover the evidence and follow the clues, altering the course of the show every night. Sharpen your pencils and join this interactive ride that questions our collective obsession with solving the impossible.
HOW IT WORKS
Mickie McKittrick will be your guide throughout the show. Sometimes the entire group will work together, while at other times you’ll join a smaller breakout room for a more intimate examination of evidence and clues. Ultimately, the entire group will make choices to determine the show’s surprising conclusion.
All 24 detectives will take a brief personality survey quiz one week before each show. This determines the best fit for the squad to which you will be assigned to work on specific tasks during the case.
This production will use the Zoom video conferencing platform. Detectives will “check in” to their show up to 30 minutes ahead of curtain, and may be asked to interact with Mickie. Please be prepared to share your video at all times.
REQUIREMENTS
Internet access is required, with audio/video conferencing capability.
You must be willing to participate and have a good time!
Directed by Chelsea Marcantel | Associate Director and Dramaturg – Rachel Wiegardt-Egel | Wardrobe Coordinator – Liz Rose | Props Coordinator – Rick Gilles | Video Operator – Sigourney Chin | Sound Coordinator – James Grabowski | Stage Manager – Alex Norkus | Mickie McKittrick Website – Chisolm Designs | Special Thanks – Rick Geary | Featuring – Mike Ostroski and Paloma Nozicka | Expert Consultants – Neil Patrick Harris, Vella Lovell, Conan O’Brian, Rainn Wilson
REVIEWS
“{With} CITIZEN DETECTIVE, a playful, slightly sinister new Zoom experience, the Geffen Playhouse … has cornered the American market on agreeable online theater that runs and runs and runs. … Marcantel clearly enjoys the online form, neatly juxtaposing the workaday tools of contemporary online culture — polls, slides, breakout rooms, screen sharing, chat, the mute button — with a lurid case nearly a century cold.” — The New York Times (Critic’s Pick)
“Technologically, the Geffen continues to have an excellent handle on the possibilities of virtual theater, creating an impressively seamless experience. … Citizen Detective is a fun and creative opportunity to play detective and experience some human interaction in a time when we cannot physically go to the theater.” — On Stage and Screen
“For those of us mystery fans longing to be entertained while figuring out who-done-it, please tune in to the World Premiere of CITIZEN DETECTIVE… The resulting experience of being part of a winning team working so well together adds a much-needed boost of positive human interaction so needed in our isolated world right now.” — Culver City News
“CITIZEN DETECTIVE is more concerned with getting us to talk, think, and work together toward a shared goal. If we reveal a bit about ourselves as we do so, all the better. … As interested as Marcantel might be in trying to actually solve this case, her greater point is about the value of storytelling.” — Broadway World
“Marcantel knows mystery thrillers work in modern America; she keeps the audience moving along in this brisk 85 minute performance. If you think you know what’s coming next – I can guarantee you you are wrong. And why I won’t say just how the night concludes, I will say you won’t want to miss it. … As twists and turns are revealed, watching the faces of excited sleuths as their suspicions come true is half the fun.” — Theatrely (4/4 Stars)
“Kudos to Chelsea Marcantel, writer and director, who has expertly crafted an evening of mystery and comedy. Citizen Detective is a fun, engaging night of interactive theater that will furrow the brow, slap the knee and keep people on their toes.” — Hollywood Soapbox
“An area where Citizen Detective really stands out is its accessibility. Writer-director Chelsea Marcantel has put a ton of thought and effort into making the experience entertaining and appropriate not just for a wide variety of ages, but also for those both new to and experienced with immersive theater overall.” — Become Immersed
“Offers a heartening clue for the future of virtual theater. … All in all, Citizen Detective is a diverting evening, a combination of game night with a theatrical endeavor, that offers some clues as how to execute entertaining interactive virtual theater.” — Entertainment Weekly
REPRESENTATION
CAA
Di Glazer (Theatre) diana.glazer@caa.com
Angela Dallas (Television) angela.dallas@caa.com
Brandon Finkelstein (Television) brandon.finkelstein@caa.com
Heroes & Villains Entertainment
Benjamin Blake (Manager)
Chris Coggins (Manager)
323.850.2990