By The Sanilac County Historical Society
PORT SANILAC, Mich. (4/22/26) — The Sanilac County Historical Society (SCHS) announces Staying Alive… Or Not, a fully immersive walk-through murder mystery experience to be held on the grounds of the Sanilac County Museum Historic Village on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Set against a fictional 1978 backdrop of Great Lakes disco culture, the event invites guests to become detectives — exploring the museum’s authentic historic buildings, interviewing live actor suspects, gathering clues, and casting a verdict on who murdered Donna Goldenrod, a fictional Detroit recording artist whose death has left six very suspicious people with a great deal to explain.
Unlike a staged dinner theatre, Staying Alive… Or Not is a fully participatory, walk-through investigation. Guests receive a Detective’s Dossier case file and a prop edition of the 1978 Sanilac Jeffersonian newspaper upon arrival at the historic Loop-Harrison Mansion, then move in groups through six suspect stations housed in the museum’s original structures — the general store, schoolhouse, train depot, log cabins, and more.
Each station is staffed by a live actor portraying one of six persons of interest, each with their own backstory, motive, and carefully placed clues. At 4:00 PM, the full group assembles in the historic church for a live final confrontation — all six suspects face each other before guests vote on who is responsible. The Coroner’s report is read. The murderer steps forward. The truth comes out.
The Cast:
The event features an original script and an all-local cast:
Dan Finn as Rex Palladino, Record Producer | Lindsay Fazio as Vicki Flames, Backup Singer & Rival Brian Derowski as Pastor Hollis Crane, Local Minister | Bella Smith-Corso as Marlene Kowalski, Estate Housekeeper Eli Price as Bo Sutherland, Fisherman & Estranged Kin | Katie Perpignon as Cynthia Arch, Detroit Free Press Reporter The event is hosted by Jen Willoughby and Rachel Grant of the Sanilac County Historical Society, Home Dinner Committee.
Food, Beverages & Atmosphere
Each ticket includes two complimentary alcoholic beverages. A curated grazing table — featuring artisan cheeses, charcuterie, seasonal produce, and accompaniments — will be available throughout the afternoon alongside passed appetizers. This is a social, mobile event; guests move through the grounds at their own investigative pace rather than sitting at a table for a plated meal. Period attire from the 1970s is warmly encouraged. Guests are invited to dress the era — leisure suits, wide lapels, sequins, and platform shoes are all welcome.
Tickets & Admission
Tickets are available now through Eventbrite at https://sanilacmuseummurdermystery.eventbrite.com or by check made out to “SCHS” $65 — SCHS 2026 Member Ticket – (Promo Code available by email) | $75 — General Admission Space is limited. Recommended for adults and older teens. The museum is located at 228 S Ridge Street, Port Sanilac, MI 48469.
About the Sanilac County Historical Society
The Sanilac County Historical Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Michigan’s Thumb region.
Headquartered at the Sanilac County Museum in Port Sanilac, SCHS operates a historic village complex, maintains archival collections, and produces public programming connecting communities to their shared heritage. Proceeds from Staying Alive… Or Not support the museum’s ongoing preservation and educational mission.
