Wellington's annual dinner theater night used to be a murder mystery. This year the village has replaced it with something else entirely: The Mystery Behind the Magic, an evening of magic, mentalism and a three-course dinner on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center. Tickets are $60 per person.

The village announced the change in late September, describing the new format as an interactive night built around illusion, mind reading and dining rather than a scripted whodunit.

Who is performing

The headliner is magician and mentalist David Frost. His act mixes sleight of hand, mind reading, psychological illusion and modern technology, and it works the room: guests at the tables can end up as part of the show rather than watching it from a distance.

How the night runs

The evening opens with a cocktail reception and passed hors d'oeuvres on the community center's outdoor Promenade. Guests then move into the Grande Ballroom, which the village has recently renovated, for a banquet-style three-course dinner with the performance. Wine and Prosecco come from the event's sponsor, Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants.

The theme is the Roaring '20s, and formal attire is suggested. The dinner and show are for guests 21 and older.

Childcare included in the plan

Wellington is running supervised childcare programming for children ages 5 to 12 during the event, so adults can stay for the full evening. Registration details and any requirements for the childcare portion are posted in the village's CivicRec registration system alongside the dinner tickets.

Picking a table

Seating works differently from a general admission show. Guests buy individual seats at one of 22 tables and choose the table when they register. The village encourages groups that want to sit together to coordinate and register early, since seating is limited. Tickets went on sale Sept. 30.

The details

  • What: The Mystery Behind the Magic, an evening of magic, mentalism and dinner
  • When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Where: Wellington Community Center, 12150 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington
  • Cost: $60 per person, including the reception, three-course dinner, wine and Prosecco, and the show
  • Ages: 21 and older; childcare available for ages 5 to 12
  • Dress: formal attire suggested, 1920s theme
  • Tickets: Wellington's CivicRec registration system, where buyers select a seat at one of 22 tables

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