Scattered rose petals cover the hardwood floor as the beaming bride makes her way down the aisle towards her significant other. Her dress, a strapless A-line silhouette, white with delicate lace and a chiffon veil, leaves everyone in awe.

The crowd watches, with tear-streaked faces, as the ceremony begins. After the bride and groom exchange their wedding rings and recite their heartfelt vows to one another, before they can say “I do,” the lights go out and panic sets in.

A blood-curdling scream is heard. Champagne glasses fall shattering effortlessly to the floor. A door creaks open. Moments later, the lights flicker back on, and one of the guests is covered in an oozing pool of blood, which flows from their chest like the gory elevator scene in the 1980’s movie “The Shining.”

The Ohio State Reformatory located in Mansfield, OH, has hosted a vast array of heart-pounding, bone-chilling events, such as eerie paranormal activity hunts and fascinating prison tours, for decades. This is the sixth year that the murder-mystery dinner will take place at the reformatory. This year’s theme is called “Wedding Song.” Directed by Gregg Ashbrook II and written by David Moberg, the reformatory promises to deliver a night those individuals in attendance will always remember—that is, if they make it out alive.

The premise of the murder-mystery play revolves around the happy couple named Jenna and Sonny who are about to embark on the greatest journey of all: marriage. Sonny’s family had never met his beautiful fiancé before the wedding, and throughout the duration of the night, his plan to marry the love of his life goes terribly awry.

Diana Riggleman, the volunteer coordinator, has been involved in four previous murder-mystery dinners at the reformatory. She acknowledged how the audience gets to really make the play come to life by interacting with the cast.

“The audience gets a chance to participate in the play itself [along] with the actors by asking questions,” said Riggleman. “As the play progresses, it is up to them to vote and decide who they think the murderer might be. A lot of times, we and also the actors do not know who [the murderer is].”

For Dan Smith, the event and social media coordinator, this will be his first year to assist in running the dinner theater. He described how this is an event that is so unique and unlike any first date that one will ever have.

“I believe [the reformatory] is perfect for an event like this because we are [at] such a unique location,” said Smith. “When you drive up, you can feel the history of this building. People come from all over the world to tour our building, thanks to “The Shawshank Redemption. We love being able to give people the opportunity to experience it.”

Riggleman explained how for the most part, almost all individuals look forward to the play, but are a little apprehensive, as they do not know what to expect.

“You can tell whether people are very enthusiastic [and] if it is their first time,” said Riggleman. “It might take a little bit of time to get started, but once they get into it, the more they participate in it and the more enjoyable it is.”

Smith noted how the reformatory has received an considerable amount of exposure over the years due to its popularity.

“The audience is always great,” said Smith. “This is one of those events that has [grown] over the years. It has had a big word-of-mouth reaction and people love to come see the new play every year.”

Additionally, along with the thrill of not knowing who the murderer is until the end of the event, it is left entirely up to the audience to make the decision.

“Their [role] is the observation,” said Riggleman. “They do not actually do any of the acting, so they really do not need any kind of prop to make their decision, [but] they do have to keep up with it.”

For the event, individuals will be served a delicious three-course meal, which will take place in the Central Guard Room. It includes the following: salad with a variety of tangy dressings to choose from, a choice of succulent beef, chicken, or a vegetarian option for the main entrée, with soft, buttery rolls as well. For dessert, one can savor their sweet tooth and enjoy the prepared decadent cakes and pies. Additionally, there will be an open bar with beer and wine available.

This is a sold-out event. Typically, tickets go on sale at least two months in advance. Dates for the play include: March 4-5, 11-12. Alcoholic beverages will be served, so the event is 21 and over only. For those attending, gates open at 6 p.m. while the play begins at 7 p.m. and lasts until 10 p.m. If one wants to find out more information about upcoming tours and events at the reformatory, visit the official Ohio State Reformatory Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter page.