Mobsters and Molls: A Murder Mystery Featuring Russell Shorto

“Mobsters & Molls” to be presented April 13, featuring Russell Shorto

There’s been a murder at the museum, and JAHA needs the public’s help to solve it! An interactive murder mystery, “Mobsters & Molls: A Murder Mystery at the Heritage Discovery Center” will take place at 7:00 pm on Sat., Apr. 13, featuring Russell Shorto as celebrity detective.

In this fundraiser, participants will tour the museum in teams of 4-6 and try to solve the mystery, while actors present the story. Set in the roaring 20s during Prohibition, Mickey Scapone is the boss of the largest gang responsible for importing alcohol. He owns Germania, arguably the most popular speakeasy in Johnstown. From bodyguards to sassy jazz singers, alcohol to fine dining, this hip club has everything.

Except Scapone, that is – the big boss himself has been found murdered.

Tamera Gindlesperger Fisher will direct an all-star cast that includes Randy Jeffries, Ben Berkebile, Christina Fosbrink, Cassidy Polacek, and Troy Smajda. Clues will be placed all over the museum, while participants move through and question the suspects. The renowned author Russell Shorto will play the part of the detective, and will be on hand to reveal the solution. The winning team will receive autographed copies of Shorto’s book, “Smalltime: A Story of My Family and the Mob.”

“Initial reaction to this event has been incredibly positive – we think this evening is going to be so much fun,” said Deb Winterscheidt, development director for JAHA. “We’re so grateful to Russell Shorto and the rest of the cast for being willing to be part of the evening.”

Fiddlin’ Ray Bruckman will provide era-appropriate music for the evening.

The evening will include heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Roaring 20s attire is encouraged.

Tickets are $65 for JAHA members, $75 for non-members, and are available online at jaha.org. Sponsorships that include tickets to a private pre-event cocktail reception with Russell Shorto are also available.

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