AUBURN — Mystery for Hire is bringing its mystery show back to the L-A area at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Mystery for Hire opens with a performance of “Who Killed Jolly Roger? – A Pirate Mystery Show” at 7 p.m. Friday, July 13. Doors open at 6.

“After two successful shows this winter, we are bringing our pirate show back as a summer mystery,” said Dan Marois of Poland Spring, who with his wife, Denise, own and operate Mystery for Hire.

Mystery for Hire is celebrating its 23rd anniversary this year, having performed for audiences totaling more than 60,000. It is the longest running, year-round professional mystery theater troupe in Maine.

“One of our longtime actors, Bob LeBlanc, a Maine native, has written an outrageous script with some of the most interesting pirates you’ll ever meet,” explains Marois, who says that while it is entirely optional, many audience members like to wear pirate outfits to attend the show. “Audience members become part of a pirate ship crew and there’s always a bit of competition during the evening as each one tries to outdo the other.”

“Our public shows offer guests a chance to enjoy an evening of entertainment and dining all in one experience,” said Marois. He notes that the

Marois notes that the Auburn show will feature Greg Simpson of Minot, Brian Files of Gardiner, Bob LeBlanc of Newburyport, Mass., Marie Stewart Harmon of South Portland and Katie (Marois) Nadeau, originally from Poland Spring.

Tickets are $45 per person and includes the mystery show and meal. Tax and gratuity is additional. A cash bar is open at the restaurant and overnight rooms are available. Reservations can be made by online at summermystery.eventbrite.com.

For more info, call 207-784-4433. For info on mystery dinner theater, go to mysteryforhire.com.

Mystery for Hire launches a pirate-themed mystery show on July 13 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Auburn. Cast members from a previous production include, from left, Chuck Waterman of Gorham, Julie Poulin of Monmouth, Bob LeBlanc of Newburyport, Mass., Katie Marois Nadeau of Waltham, Mass., and Brian Files of Gardiner.