The mystery written by, none other than the theatre groups own artistic director, Anthony DePage had more twists and turns than the latest roller coaster ride at Six Flags.
Upon entering, you are treated to the immediate immersion into theater with characters mingling about and clues being tossed in the air via verbal altercations between characters and interrogations by eager theatre goes attempting to gather clues.
The characters ranged from flamboyant to hillbilly, stuffy to surly, and everything in between.
While all are lead to believe they are in attendance to see the exquisite 6 pound gold nugget, one with a killer past, be auctioned off to the highest bidder they quickly learn there are many webs of deceit and death tied to this nugget.
The goal of the evening becomes all too clear when the beautiful Kennedy LaGrange, a wealthy corporate executive of the Colfax Corp, stumbles through the crowd gasping for air, ultimately collapsing in the arms of her lover, with one last gasp.
Who would want to kill Miss Kennedy LaGrange?
With characters like; Iowa Jones (Indiana Jones was already taken) an archaeologist with his eye on the nugget for a reputable museum, Woncha Leanover whose goal is to return the nugget to its rightful home- hers, Ivan Claimer an attorney hired by an anonymous entity to purchase or acquire the nugget "at any cost", Plugger Goodman believing that the nugget belonged to his family as his brother had died soon after he had discovered it, and many more, the evening was definitely a creative whodunit.
Interactive was the name of the game and even the most stoic of guests quickly found themselves embroiled in the mystery.
As the lovely Miss Kennedy lay lifeless on the floor, awaiting the police and coroner, the crowd was hustled out of the building for yet another adventure, lamp-lit....but I will say no more as to not ruin any possible plans for future murder mysteries.
Every aspect of the evening was executed perfectly.
One note: bring a little extra cash for the silent auction and the raffle. As the proceeds of these raise funds for local arts.
Footlight Theatre's mission statement:
Theatre Company is the Mother Lode’s newest fine arts nonprofit organization! Footlight’s mission is to provide its community with superior quality theatrical productions that showcase local talent while enhancing and stimulating community and social awareness in the Mother Lode. Footlight is committed to furthering the enrichment of the social and artistic culture of our local community through fine arts education, fundraising opportunities for other organizations and professional quality productions.
For more information on Footlight Theatre Company's upcoming murder mystery dinners CLICK HERE
For more pictures CLICK HERE