Footlight Murders presents 'The Curse of the Nugget of Love'

Footlight Theatre Company Presents:

  Footlight Murders
Footlight Theatre Company will begin its new monthly series in Columbia State Park just in time for Valentine’s Day!  This February 15^th “Footlight Murders” presents a miner’s tale of love… and of a solid gold, heart shaped nugget of death!!

In 1864, a cobbler from Columbia named Kicker Goodman saw business fall off as gold became harder to find. The poor man was forced to go to work in the Cruel Springs Mine just to support his young fiancé. When a heart shaped gold nugget was pulled from the main vein of the mine, Mr. Goodman made a poor choice. In a crime of passion Kicker stole the nugget and planned to run away with his true love to live happily ever after…  Nobody can truly say what happened at the Goodman cabin that fateful day when Sheriff Ellerbe went to investigate, but when authorities went to the house later on sheriff Ellerbe, Kicker Goodman and his sweetheart were all found dead and the stolen nugget was nowhere to be found. Thought to be lost forever, the nugget became legend, and the legend begot a curse – that anyone who should find it, touch it or possess it – would die! Over the years the story was forgotten like the gold rush and nobody ever gave it a thought… until three weeks ago!

The cursed nugget was re-discovered and it has been decided by the State of California that for the price of a dinner show ticket this valuable piece of solid gold is to be sold at a small private auction on the evening of February 15. There are a few parties however, who claim rights to the nugget, a few who protest the auction for their own reasons and a few who would just do anything to add the legendary gold to their collection. Are you brave enough to bid on and break “The Curse of the Nugget of Love?” 
Motive, comedy, romance, murder and suspense abound in this thrilling dinner show experience! Don’t miss the first in Footlight Theatre’s new monthly series of murder mysteries in Columbia State Historic Park, where you attempt to solve the mystery and catch a killer among an evening of fine wine, music and dining!
At Footlight Murders, the action is constant and anyone can be a suspect!  In this fully interactive dinner show guests can expect some scripted scenes, but never can tell when spontaneous, murderous drama might erupt throughout the night. One may not even know they are sitting next to an actor until they die… the actor of course.

A typical Footlight Murder will begin with an “interrogation reception” hosted by a local featured winery, which will serve as a chance for guests to meet some of the characters and learn the premise of the evening’s story.  After all have arrived at the reception and have had a chance to mingle, guests will sit down to a wonderful dinner served by Columbia House Restaurant and Catering.  From there on out, one just can’t tell what might happen. The story will unfold throughout town, and guests will have a chance to gather clues engage in various contests and win prizes… and of course foul play will be afoot.  Towards the end of the evening guests themselves will become detectives (and a few might be suspects) and all will try to solve the crime, with awards going to the best sleuth and more. 

Each mystery will begin with the “interrogation reception” at 5:30 pm.  Dinner will be served around 6pm and the evening will conclude around 9pm, with music and dancing until 10pm.  Every month will feature a new menu, a different local winery and live music from some of the area’s finest musicians.  Footlight will also pair up with different merchants and venues every month to keep the night’s events unpredictable for every show, guaranteeing a new experience each time for even the most regular guests. February’s Mystery will begin at Angelo’s Hall and conclude at the Jack Douglass Saloon.

“We believe Columbia State Park is the perfect place for our new murder mystery series.  The old Wild West environment of the town has a mysterious aura of its own that can only add to the possibilities of what we can do there,” said Artistic Director Anthony De Page.  “On top of that, this is another great way to highlight and bring tourism to the historically rich town of Columbia.” 

“Our public events are perfect for corporate events, entertaining out of town guests, anniversaries, birthdays and other occasions. Not only will the theatre company produce its monthly series, but Footlight Murders is also available for custom mysteries at your corporate or private event.” says executive director Kendra Burlison.  “Each Mystery is tailored specifically to your occasion and many options are available.”  For more information or to book a mystery please call (209)588-6441.

Tickets for monthly mysteries are available at www.footlighttheatre.org or by calling (209)728-8072.  Tickets are limited for each event and must be reserved 48 hours in advance.  For more information or to order the vegetarian menu option please call (209) 728-8072.

What:  Footlight Murders monthly murder mystery dinner show

When:  Every Second Saturday of the month at 6 pm,

Where:  Columbia State Historic Park: Angelo’s Hall and other venues within the park.

Tickets:  $42 single, $80 couple

Season Mystery passes are also available.  Passes are numbered, not name specific, which means if you cannot make a mystery, you can pass the ticket onto a friend!  This is great for businesses and other organizations.