Vitello’s Murder Mystery Event Drew Criticism
A new dinner-theater show at a Studio City restaurant has sparked backlash due to the venue’s history.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Dining Out
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Vitello’s in Studio City recently hosted a murder mystery dinner event produced by Noah Blake. The production has faced public outcry given the restaurant’s association with a 2001 high-profile killing.
Why it matters
The event has reopened conversations about the restaurant’s past after Robert Blake and Bonny Lee Bakley dined there shortly before Bakley was murdered in her vehicle. The choice of venue for a theatrical murder mystery has been criticized as insensitive by members of the Blake family.
The murder mystery performance, titled A Killer Night In Studio City, is scheduled to run at the venue through October 31, 2026. The production is directed and starred in by Noah Blake.
The players
Noah Blake
He is the director and star of the murder mystery production being hosted at the restaurant.
Rose Lenore Blake
She is a family member who publicly criticized the hosting of the murder mystery show on social media.
Robert Blake
He is a former actor who was found liable for the death of his wife in a civil trial.
Bonny Lee Bakley
She was the wife of Robert Blake who was killed in a vehicle outside the restaurant in 2001.
The details
The immersive performance draws on the theme of a murder mystery, but critics argue the association with Vitello’s is inappropriate. Rose Lenore Blake voiced her disapproval of the production on TikTok, labeling the show disrespectful.
Timeline
Robert Blake and Bonny Lee Bakley dined at Vitello’s in 2001.
The restaurant plans to run the film through October 31, 2026.
Culture Shift
The backlash reflects a growing public intolerance for venues that monetize historical trauma through entertainment. This trend marks a shift where audiences and family members increasingly hold local businesses accountable for the ethical implications of their programming.
The controversy may influence how residents perceive the restaurant’s future event programming and overall brand reputation. Patrons should consider the venue's history when deciding whether to support specific entertainment offerings hosted at the site.
The takeaway
The tension between commercial entertainment and historical local memory highlights the need for sensitivity in venue management. Businesses are encouraged to evaluate how their programming aligns with the historical narrative surrounding their physical space.
Further reading
For more on the local food scene, see our Dining Out coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Canyon News.
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Is it appropriate for local businesses to host entertainment events at sites of violent crimes?
