They say anything is possible in New York City and it seems that it is true, even when it comes to stepping back in time...

 

Speakeasy Dollhouse is a collaboration of a 1930s party, a murder mystery and a theatre experience all shaken together to combine a night of unique entertainment. The event only asks its attendees to have enthusiasm and a willingness to drop any hint of 21st century life at the door.

 

The dollhouse experience was set up by Cynthia von Buhler who has used her bizarre family history to create this immersive and pretty cool event.

 

Cynthia’s grandfather was Frank Spano, a shop owner who lived in 1930s New York City. During this time of prohibition Frank ran a speakeasy behind his little cannoli bakery, that is until he was murdered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Speakeasy Dollhouse event takes place in Frank’s speakeasy. All embellished rugs, wooden chairs and plush hangings, this bar has bookcases leading to hidden passageways and curious characters hidden in corners. Here you embrace the live jazz, the risqué burlesque dancers and the cocktails disguised in teacups. It’s easier to imagine you really have stepped back in time when every guest is adorned in the latest thirties fashion: fur coats, Gatsby headpieces, tails and petticoats.

 

Guests get an insight into what a real speakeasy would have been like and what the people were really like. Throughout the evening, actors introduce themselves as characters who really existed in Frank’s life. Even Frank himself appears as various scenes from his life play out around the bar. Party-goers evenwitness the fateful night of his murder.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once Frank is killed, conspiracy theories erupt and guests speculate as to who really killed Frank.  Each guest also has their own personal task to complete to contribute to this murder mystery. 

 

The entire event plays true to what actually happened the night Cynthia’s grandfather was murdered. While the storyline may all be doom and gloom, there’s enough glamour and shine to keep guests giggling and gossiping until closing time.

 

But the event doesn’t actually start there... a few days before and after you’ve bought your tickets, instructions are emailed detailing how to find the secret location, including how to get by the policemen. Then there’s the court reports, autopsy breakdowns and witness accounts giving guests all the information they need for the dark and twisty night to come.

 

So you’ll see it is true, in New York City you can really turn back time, so much so that when in it’s time to surrender back to a moder day NYC reality you do so with a sobering jolt and slight embarrassment at your swinging attire.