History of The Mystery (Café)

Founded in 1989, by Lee H. Adams, The Mystery Café is a local, independently owned theater company, which means that its survival rests not on donors, subscribers or grants; but ticket sales. We’ve been around for over 35 years because, fortunately - people still find us funny, and continue to come to our shows.

Much has changed since the early days. We’ve outlived most of our venue partnerships. Niklow’s Restaurant, The Venetian Inn, Bloomington Park Tavern, The Hudson House Grand Hotel, Benchwarmer Bob’s…these places are fond (if fuzzy) memories, but the Mystery Café called them all home at one point or another.

In 2016, long-time actor Brian Kelly took over as Owner/Artistic Director for the Mystery Café.

Yes, times have changed. When the Mystery Cafe started, the phone number in our print ads didn’t include an area code. No one ever asked if their meal could be served gluten free. In the 90’s, a joke with a reference to Buddy Hackett or a Ford Pinto would result in uproarious laughter.

Our shows are mostly Hackett-free these days. Mostly.

One thing hasn’t changed; people’s desire for a good laugh and a great meal. Wait, that’s two things. And free parking. That’s three.

The point is, all these years later, we are still presenting the funniest shows we know how to create, cast them with the most talented interactive comedians in town, and work with great locations who provide a quality 3-course meal. Those things have never changed.