Mountain Playhouse presents
An Ugly Sweater Murder Mystery Fundraiser
Saturday, December 5 · Camp Sequanota, Jennerstown
$40 single · $75 couple
Dust off the tackiest sweater you own. There’s been a murder at the holiday party, and you’re a suspect.
You’re invited (and you’re a suspect)
Picture a cozy holiday party in the Laurel Highlands. Twinkle lights. Good food. A room full of reindeer, snowmen and sweaters that blink.
Then someone turns up dead.
Nobody leaves until the case is cracked. Every guest is a suspect, and every guest is a detective. Gather clues, question your fellow partygoers, and point the finger before the killer gets away with it.
No acting experience. No detective skills. Just curiosity, a sense of humor and a truly terrible sweater. Every ticket supports live theater at Mountain Playhouse.
What’s on the agenda
- The murder mystery. The main event. Work the room, swap theories and try to name the culprit. It’s a team effort, so bring a friend or make new ones.
- The ugly sweaters. The uglier, the better. Think reindeer, elves, tinsel, pom-poms and anything Grandma ever knit. Blinking lights earn bonus points with the crowd. Prizes awarded.
- Heavy Hors d’oeuvres and snacks to fuel your investigation. So the only thing you’ll be grilling is your fellow suspects.
- Drink, 50/50 and Basket Party Tickets will be sold at the door as a CASH DONATION. Age limit for attendees is 18 years.
- Music. Holiday tunes all evening to keep the room merry while the clues fly.
- Prizes. Friendly competition is part of the fun, with prizes to win throughout the night.
GET BOOKED!
On your way in, step up to the Mountain Playhouse Police Dept. mugshot wall. Stand against the height chart, hold up your booking placard and get “arrested” for crimes against fashion.
Grab a prop: detective hat, magnifying glass, Santa hat, reindeer antlers or toy handcuffs.
Most Wanted Sweater contest: the funniest mugshot of the night wins a prize. Bring your best guilty face.
Tickets
| Ticket | Price | Who it covers |
| Single | $40 | One guest |
| Couple | $75 | Two guests (save $5) |
Every ticket includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, snacks, drinks and basket party tickets. Drink tickets for alcohol are sold separately.
How to buy:
- Online: Go to MountainPlayhouse.org and click “Buy Tickets” or scan the QR code with your phone camera.
- By phone: call (814) 629-9220 and ask for Karen at extension 105.
Seating is Limited, so grab yours by December 1st so we can plan our menu. It’s one less thing to think about during the holiday rush, and the couple ticket makes an easy date night or double date.
When and where
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Time: 7 – 10 PM
Place: Camp Sequanota, 368 Sequanota Rd, Jennerstown, PA 15547 GET DIRECTIONS
The camp is tucked in the woods just outside Jennerstown, off Route 30. For the most reliable directions, use the camp’s GPS coordinates: 40.17950, -79.10448.
It’s the Laurel Highlands in December, so dress warmly for the walk in and allow a little extra drive time if the weather turns.
Wanted: baskets and prizes
The basket party is one of the best parts of the night, and it runs on generosity. We’re looking for local businesses, families and friends to donate a basket or prize worth at least $25.
Basket ideas:
- Restaurant, salon or shop gift cards
- A cozy movie night: blanket, popcorn and treats
- A local favorites basket from Laurel Highlands businesses
- Coffee, tea or hot cocoa themes
- Kids’ toys, games or crafts
- Tools, outdoor gear or a car care kit
For businesses: your basket is a fun way to put your name in front of a room full of neighbors while supporting local theater.
Deadline: Baskets should be delivered by December 1st so the prize table is ready for the party.
For Basket Drop Off Location call or text (814) 442-1628.
Mountain Playhouse is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
FAQ: We’ve got answers
Do I really have to wear an ugly sweater? Raid your closet, borrow from a relative or hit a thrift store. But if you don’t, you may end up in a worse one by the end of the evening.
I’ve never done a murder mystery. Will I be lost? Not at all. No acting or detective skills required. Everyone plays together, and the clues come to you as the night unfolds.
Do I have to perform or speak in front of people? No. You can be as chatty or as quiet as you like. Some sleuths interrogate everyone. Others watch and take notes.
What does my ticket include? Heavy hors d’oeuvres, snacks, drinks and basket party tickets. Drink tickets for alcohol, extra basket party tickets and 50/50 tickets will be available to buy.
Is a full dinner served? There’s no full meal, but heavy hors d’oeuvres and snacks will keep you going. Come hungry anyway.
Can I bring my own drinks? Drink tickets for alcohol will be sold at the party. No BYO, please.
Can I bring my kids? Age limit is 18 years for this event.
Can I buy tickets at the door? We prefer you to buy ahead so we can plan on food and drink supplies.
What if it snows? Any updates will be posted here.
Is my ticket tax deductible? Mountain Playhouse is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. Check with your tax advisor about your situation.
Can I just donate? Absolutely. Call or text (814) 629-9220 or visit mountainplayhouse.org and ask for Karen at extension 105.
Who do I contact with other questions? For more info, call Biff Baron (Executive Director) at extension 118. If no answer, leave a message. We’re happy to help.
The case is waiting
Murder. Mystery. Music, food, prizes, mugshots and a room full of the worst sweaters in Somerset County. It all happens December 5 at Camp Sequanota, and every ticket supports live theater at Mountain Playhouse.
Grab your tickets, pick your ugliest sweater and bring your detective skills. We’ll see you there.
Mountain Playhouse is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, donations to which are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. The official registration and financial information of Mountain Playhouse may be obtained from the PA Department of State by calling toll free within Pennsylvania: 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.