One of the most popular events ever introduced at Wilderness Road State Park (WRSP) is making a dramatic return. Following a very successful run last season, the park is serving up a second season of The Mystery Dinner Theatre production, WHISPERS ~ Secrets of the Ely Mansion.
“Following last season’s success, we had a lot of people contact us because they missed out on seeing this unique event,” explained Special Events Coordinator Mike Brindle. “So, due to popular demand, we are offering a second run of the play that features colorful characters offering a unique twist on the history of the Ely (Karlan) Mansion. So if you missed out on last year’s show, be sure to get your tickets early before they sell out.”
This marks the second play produced by the park since they began offering the Mystery Dinner Theatre, with the first production, Just Kill Me Now, also enjoying a very successful two-season run. “And for those that attended Whispers last year, they are in for a treat with a new meal and twists to the play that will have them guessing all over again,” Brindle explained.
You are invited to dinner at Karlan Mansion for this tongue-in-cheek murder mystery, complete with a three-course meal of salad, lasagna and dessert. Show dates are Feb. 25, 26 and 27 as well as March 3, 4 and 5. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with curtain time set for 7 p.m. Guests are asked to arrive early as the presentation will begin promptly at 7 p.m.
The play is an original production, written exclusively for Wilderness Road State Park, and the cast is comprised of park employees and volunteers from the community. The story unfolds as colorful characters lead the audience through three acts of fun, confusion and discovery. The cast is made up of: a special guest of honor, farmhands, maids and a chef. By the third act, dinner guests will be invited to try to solve the mystery.
All the action takes place around the dinner guests who should be prepared to get involved in the action, interact with the cast and help solve the mystery.
“Last year’s event sold out very quickly,” stated Brindle. “We received such wonderful compliments. And just a few weeks after it wrapped up, we already had ticket requests for this year’s play, some 11 months in advance.”
Tickets for this unique event are on sale now and are expected to sell out fast, according to Brindle. Admission is $15 per person. Early reservations are recommended and advanced tickets are required, as seating is limited. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Wilderness Road State Park Visitor Center or by calling the park office at 276-445-3065.
For more information on Virginia’s award-winning state parks call toll-free 1-800-933-PARK (7275) or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov. The award-winning Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.