Count Dracula's Grand Masquerade Ball in Harrisville, Utah

Every October in Utah, Hunt Mysteries presents its unique brand of Halloween entertainment: Musical Comedy Murder Mystery in a Halloween dinner theater setting. This year, "Count Dracula's Grand Masquerade Ball: Deadly Wedded Bliss" will be staged Oct. 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31.

Boccias is located at 1045 N. Washington Blvd., Harrisville, 84404.

In interactive and audience participatory mystery performance, guests are greeted by Count Dracula at his Annual Grand Masquerade Ball, where all the local monsters and townspeople join the festivities of illusion, mystery and intrigue. Rumors are circulating that Dracula, in a plot to rule the world, has killed Dr. Victor, the creator of Frankenstein and Frankenstein's Bride. Entertaining his guest are Dracula's three wickedly enchanting brides, Corruptya, Jezabel and Luna. Lurking nearby is a big bag of rags, The Mummy... or is it?

Hunt Mysteries' dinner performances include singing, dancing and loads of comedy, plus audience participation, including interrogating the suspects (the actors) in solving the comedy murder mystery.

For more than 18 years, Hunt Mysteries has been doing dinner theater throughout Utah from Logan to St. George and Vernal to Delta. HM acting troupes have also performed in Glenwood Springs and Denver, Colo.; Las Vegas and Wendover, Nev.; Pindale, Evanston and Green River, Wyo, and even shows in North Dakota and on a cruise to Mexico.

This year's Halloween cast is comprised of Sheri Gillies, Corie Sorensen, Lara Johnson, Melanie Wayman, Casey Wayman and Jacob Thompson. The director is Alisha Williams.

Looking for a special deal for dinner and a show? Hunt Mysteries has set up a Discount Code that can be used to get $5 off per person. Just use Code hmcontent when making reservations. They can be made by calling 866-569-1482 or online at www.huntmysteries.com.

"For the price of a movie and a nice dinner, a couple can get a great interactive Halloween show at the same time they're enjoying a great dinner," said Jared Hunt, who in 2008 purchased Hunt Mysteries from his father, W. Lee Hunt, who founded the enterprise in 1991.

One of the unusual aspects of Hunt Mysteries shows is that there is no "fourth wall" between the actors and the audience -- no backstage curtains to hide behind. The actors mingle with the guests throughout the evening and stay in character at all times -- even when tempted by guests to come out of character.

Marcia Simon of Jordan Jones & Goulding wrote to Hunt Mysteries after a performance she attended saying: "The show was excellent! I saw a production in Nashville, Tennessee, but I must admit that your production was most impressive.

"The actors were more professional than the ones at the Opryland. The crowd at Opryland was small compared to your production. Call me and lets discuss... you might find an opportunity there!!"

Hunt Mysteries staged "Dracula's Grand Masquerade Ball" in 2008 at The Univeristy Park Marriott in Salt Lake and had so much success that it decided to stage the show again this year, but in the Ogden area -- and with a new cast and new director.

Seating at Boccias is at a premium: there are only seating for 80 guests in the upstairs banquet hall. And this year, guests will select from the Italian restaurant's special Hunt Mysteries Menu any one of three Main Entrees to go along with their Salad, Dessert and Boccias' Famous Bread Sticks.

Plus, you never know what frightful characters you might share dinner with since Hunt Mysteries encourages, but does not require, their guests to dress in their Halloween finest.