NEW YEAR’S EVE PERFORMANCE — The cast of the upcoming New Year’s Eve performance of “Harry 4Gotter and the Pantry of the Secret Sauces,” to be performed at Froehlich’s Classic Corner, includes, from left, Sean Decker as Professor Savory Scapegoat, Dustin Heavilin as Bingo Dauber and Professor Dumpling-Door, Micah Underwood as Delirious Drawbridge, Renee Storm as Bag-o-Tricks Upstage and Butch Maxwell as Vulgar Pork. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Froehlich’s Classic Corner will once again ring in the New Year with a beloved local tradition: An early-evening dinner and interactive comedy-mystery from the Ohio Valley’s Mystery Theater Unlimited.

The New Year’s Eve performance will begin at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at Froehlich’s Classic Corner, located at 501 Washington St. in Steubenville.

“We look forward to this night all year,” said owner Greg Froehlich. “New Year’s Eve at Classic Corner has become a tradition for so many of our guests — good food, lots of laughter and a chance to celebrate together without staying out late. It’s warm, it’s festive and this group always brings the room to life.”

This year’s feature will be “Harry 4Gotter and the Pantry of the Secret Sauces,” an original musical-parody romp set in the hallways of Hogwash School for Whizzers of Mystery.

Mayhem begins when the powerful Geezer Wand disappears. Magical misfires erupt across campus. Rumors swirl He Who Mustn’t Be Eaten has returned with a new recipe for disaster.

Audience members will become a part of the story, officials explained, noting fellow “students” help unravel the mystery before dinner — and possibly the castle — meets an untimely fate.

The show includes a cast of larger-than-life characters, such as:

• Professor Artichoke Pretzel Watercress Broccoli Dumpling-Door, an amiably-dazed headmaster who may or may not know what day it is.

• Delirious Drawbridge, the Saccharine Menace, who is all sweet, until she isn’t.

• Professor Savory Scapegoat, a schemer with a flair for dramatic accusations.

• Bag-o-Tricks Upstage, who is perpetually on the verge of exploding.

• Vulgar Pork, a culinary villain determined to unleash the dark recipe.

Performers include Dustin Heavilin, Micah Underwood, Sean Decker, Renee Storm and Butch Maxwell.

Mystery Theater Unlimited’s productions are presented among the tables throughout dinner, blending scripted comedy, improvisation, musical parody and audience interaction. The troupe has entertained the region since 1996 with its distinctive brand of table-side theater. Reservations can be made by calling (740) 283-9901.