Monsters, Mystery, and Mayhem: A Halloween to Remember at Franklin Terrace Ballroom!

On a crisp October evening, just before Halloween, the stately Franklin Terrace Ballroom at 126 Campbell Ave in Troy, NY was transformed into a whirlwind of eerie excitement, laughter, and suspense. With cobwebs in the corners, candlelight flickering on tables, and monsters mingling over cocktails, guests stepped into a world where nothing was quite as it seemed—and murder was on the menu. The event? A one-of-a-kind Franken-Murder Halloween Murder Mystery Troy NY show, produced by the ever-imaginative Riddlesbrood Touring Theater Company. Known for bringing immersive, theatrical experiences to life across the Northeast, Riddlesbrood delivered a “Budget Package” performance that was anything but basic. With over 65 guests in attendance and a full evening of interactive entertainment, this was a night to remember for all involved—and all for a good cause. A Fundraiser with Frightful Flair! This particular production wasn’t just about fun and fright—it was also a fundraiser for a local food pantry, helping those in need during the colder months. Guests were encouraged to support the cause while enjoying an evening of spine-tingling storytelling and monstrous mischief. It was community theater with a heart, where doing good met doing ghoulish.

As guests arrived, they were greeted with a vibrant cocktail hour, complete with themed drinks, light hors d'oeuvres, and the chance to mingle with characters from the show. Dressed to the nines (or should we say nines-and-three-quarters?), attendees didn’t hold back with their Halloween costumes—ghouls, goblins, vampires, werewolves, and more strutted their stuff with flair, setting the tone for a truly immersive evening.

What makes a Murder Mystery in Troy NY truly stand out is the level of interactivity and guest participation—and Riddlesbrood did not disappoint. The Franken-Murder theme reimagined classic horror tropes with a hilarious twist. Dr. Frankenstein, his monster, and a host of suspicious characters all came under the magnifying glass as a shocking murder interrupted the festivities. Guests were invited to become detectives for the night, gathering clues, interrogating suspects, and working together at their tables to unravel the mystery. With improvisational antics, clever plot twists, and plenty of laughs, the actors drew the audience in from the first scene to the final curtain call. Even the most reluctant participants couldn’t help but get swept up in the drama—and the fun.

“We design our shows to be completely immersive,” said a representative from Riddlesbrood. “It’s not just about watching—it’s about becoming part of the story. When people laugh, guess, and solve the mystery themselves, that’s when the magic really happens.”

While the murder may have been fictional, the competition was real when it came to the costume contest. Guests brought their Halloween A-game, with everything from detailed monster makeups to full-on cinematic recreations of their favorite horror icons. Frankenstein’s Monster himself would have been proud! At the end of the evening, awards were handed out for Best Costume, and the winners received spooky-themed prizes for their efforts. The blend of storytelling, suspense, and creativity on display made for an unforgettable evening, both for those in costume and those simply enjoying the spectacle.