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An Evening of Drinks, Dinner and Detective Work at Joslyn Castle
A talented company of community players will, once again, turn murder most foul into murder most fun at Midtown Omaha's historic Joslyn Castle. The Castle's 2009 Murder Mystery, an evening of drinks, dinner and detective work, will run Feb. 20 and 21.
"People just love it. Where else would you go for a murder mystery, but a beautiful castle?" said Nano Little, executive director of the Joslyn Castle Trust.
Omaha philanthropists Bruce and Mary Anne Ramge are reprising their roles as playwrights and producers. They and director Joe Schaffner have been rehearsing with a cast of volunteer actors since December. (Keep an eye out, the performance will also include a cameo appearance by a local radio personality.)
"We have some pretty talented people involved in the production," said Mary Anne Ramge, a past president of the Joslyn Castle board. "They do such a wonderful job of turning what we write into something fun; they really bring it to life."
This is the fifth year Joslyn Castle has hosted its Murder Mystery. The 2009 production is titled "The Gardener's Wife," a story about a young couple who discovers a dead body in their newly acquired mansion. The play is set in the 1960's, and the audience is encouraged to add authenticity by dusting off their flower power shirts and bellbottoms.
"The last two years had a 1920's timeframe. We decided to try something different this year. We thought it would be fun for both the cast and the audience because the 60's were so flamboyant," said Ramge.
The cost of the evening is $75, which includes drinks, a dinner of heavy hors d'oeuvres and the entertainment. Audience members should not expect to be idle spectators.
"The audience is solving the mystery," said Little. "It is really fun!"
Proceeds from the performances go toward the ongoing restoration and renovation of the castle, a 35-room Scottish Baronial mansion which George and Sarah Joslyn completed in 1903. The castle, located at 3902 Davenport St., is an "Omaha Landmark Historic Structure" listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The castle hosts several annual events each year, and The Murder Mystery takes full advantage of the venue.
"We use all the rooms on the first level and some of the bedrooms on the second level. It pretty well fills the building," said Little. "It's one of the best things we do in the Joslyn Castle."
There is space for about 90 people at each evening's performance. You can make reservations online at www.joslyncastle.com or by calling (402) 595-2199.
"I'd encourage people to put together groups and get those reservations in. Last year, we sold out," said Ramge.