04/23/2026
It is a spring afternoon in 1978. The lilacs are in bloom along the Lake Huron shore. And somewhere inside the Loop-Harrison Mansion, Detroit recording artist Donna Goldenrod has been found dead.
Donna was the crown jewel of the Great Lakes Sound — a singer, a powerhouse, and a woman with more unfinished business than anyone knew. Now she is gone, the cause of death is undetermined, and six people who were present that afternoon all have something to hide.
The Sanilac County Historical Society invites you to step into the investigation at Staying Alive... Or Not — a fully immersive, walk-through murder mystery experience set across the authentic historic buildings of the Sanilac County Museum Village Grounds in Port Sanilac, Michigan on Sunday, May 17th from 2-5pm.
How It Works
Guests are welcomed at the historic Loop-Harrison Mansion and receive a Detective's Dossier case file and a prop edition of the 1978 Sanilac Jeffersonian newspaper detailing the crime and its six persons of interest. Groups then move through the historic village, visiting suspect stations housed in the museum's original structures — the general store, the schoolhouse, the train depot, log cabins, and more.
Each suspect is played by a live actor who will deliver clues, deflect suspicion, and reveal just enough to keep you guessing. At 4:00 PM, the full group assembles in the historic church for the final confrontation. The suspects face each other. The Coroner delivers his report. You cast your vote. Then the murderer is revealed.
The Six Suspects
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
Hosted by Jen Willoughby and Rachel Grant.
What's Included
• Two complimentary alcoholic beverages per ticket
• Curated grazing table with artisan cheeses, charcuterie, seasonal accompaniments, and passed appetizers throughout the afternoon
• Full access to all six investigation stations across the historic village
• Detective's Dossier case file and prop Sanilac Jeffersonian newspaper
• Live actor performances and an original scripted mystery narrative
Good to Know
• Recommended for adults and older teens. Not recommended for children under 13.
• The event takes place across outdoor village grounds. Dress for a Michigan spring afternoon.
• Period attire from the 1970s is encouraged — leisure suits, sequins, wide lapels, and platform shoes are all welcome.
• Space is limited. Tickets are non-refundable but transferable.
• SCHS 2026 Members must purchase at the member rate to access member pricing.
Tickets are available now through Eventbrite at https://sanilacmuseummurdermystery.eventbrite.com
• $65 — SCHS 2026 Member Ticket
• $75 — General Admission
Proceeds support the Sanilac County Museum's historic preservation and public programming mission.
Questions? Contact [email protected] or visit sanilacmuseum.org.
