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By PAT GARRY Guest Contributor
Man Behind the Mystery (café)
he Mystery Cafe is the Twin Cities’ longest running interactive comedy dinner theater, founded in 1989. Owner Brian Kelly and his staff, write and craft their own, original shows and employ some of the best interactive comedians in town. The shows are fast-paced comedies first and foremost; but there is a mystery to solve as well! The Mystery Cafe is close to deciding on a date for a return engagement at Owatonna Country Club. The parties involved are thinking circa end of April, first part of May. Check the Mystery Cafe website for updates (www. themysterycafe.com). (Recently, I visited with Mr. Kelly)
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Scene Magazine: How long have you been involved in this, and what inspired you to pursue it?
SM: What is the process for hiring your actors/ employees?
BK: I started as an actor with the company in 1994. I had done some improv, but really learned my comedy chops working with The Mystery Cafe. Years later an opportunity came to purchase the company when the previous owner sought to retire, and I’ve had the privilege of carrying the torch since 2016.
BK: There is an audition process, but we have a pretty deep bench of actors, and I spend a fair amount of time seeking out talent. Kind of like a baseball scout. I go to see shows, and network to see what talent is out there. We are genuinely looking for the best of the best, and more often than not, our auditions are by invitation.
SM: Do you work at any other jobs other than this business? BK: I was the Entertainment Director for the St. Paul Saints until I took over the Mystery Cafe. I still perform with the Saints as an “On-Field Correspondent/Host”
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SM: How do you decide which play(s), shows you will perform? BK: I will conceive of a show, and usually that starts with an environment. Our last few shows have taken place on the set of a 70’s holiday variety show, an all-class High School Reunion,
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