Cape May is shrouded in mystery and suspense

01-06-2009

Sherlock Holmes Weekend March 20-22

 

CAPE MAY—Sir Arthur Conan’s Doyle’s famous sleuth, Sherlock Holmes, and his partner Dr. Watson return to Cape May for another weekend of murder, mystery and intrigue.  The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) presents Sherlock Holmes Weekend, Friday to Sunday, March 20-22, featuring the new mystery for 2009, the Case of Mistaken Identity by John K. Alvarez. 

            Sherlock Holmes is faced with a baffling new mystery.  A medical investigation, an inadvertent victim, a case of mistaken identity, a notorious villain, a dark secret, a career policeman, a deep friendship and a daring detective all add up to a story

that will have you on the edge of your seat!

            The game’s afoot on Friday, March 20 at 8:30 p.m.  Join your fellow “partners in crime” at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St., for an exciting evening.  Dr. Watson has come to this peaceful, seaside community to attend a symposium.  As he reminisces with his friends and colleagues, we learn about his first meeting with the great detective and how this chance encounter became his life’s work.  Watch the mystery unfold and start to formulate your theories along with Holmes and Watson.  A cash bar will be available.  Registration will begin at 7 p.m. and doors open for seating at 8 p.m. 

Continue your search for the solution to the crime on the Search for Clues Tour on Saturday, March 21.  From 1 to 3 p.m., participants will hunt for evidence and complete answer sheets on a self-guided tour through a selection of Victorian properties. Along the way, you may encounter Holmes and Watson, and a suspicious character or two.  Complete your answer sheet for your chance to be the grand prizewinner!  Anyone completing an answer sheet is eligible to win and you do not have to be present to win. 

The game continues on Saturday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. at the Inn of Cape May.  What about this case intrigues Holmes?  Is it the twists and turns or the secrets he uncovers during the investigation?  Why was the victim chosen and who committed the crime?  How are you faring in your search? Is it really elementary?  Have you matched wits with the celebrated detective or are you a clueless wonder?  Compare notes as Holmes works his way through the mystery.

On Sunday, March 22 at 12:30 p.m., Holmes unlocks the mystery!  Enjoy a hearty brunch at the Inn of Cape May with Mr. Holmes, Dr. Watson and the full cast of characters.  Is the villain among us still?  Did you discover the clues and choose well?  Once the mystery is solved, the winners will be announced, and prizes awarded in various categories.   

Optional activities that weekend include the five-course, murder mystery dinner, “Dinner at the Orient Express” at the Mad Batter Restaurant, 19 Jackson St., on Saturday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m.  The dinner is inspired by the menu on this famous train. Period costume is highly encouraged.  Prizes will be awarded for solving the mystery and best costume. Dinner is limited to 60 people and admission is $60 per person.

On Saturday, March 21 at 8 p.m. The East Lynne Theater Company presents “The Adventure of the Speckled Band,” a 1930’s radio-style production, complete with sound effects and commercials.  The Great Detective and The Good Doctor are pitted against a psychotic villain in a race against time to stop the bizarre murders in an eerie country manor. This optional activity takes place at the First Presbyterian Church, Decatur and Hughes streets and admission is $23.

Full weekend packages are available for Sherlock Holmes Weekend at $180 per couple or $95 per person (packages do not include accommodations or optional events).  The Search for Clues Tour is part of the full package or can be purchased separately for $15 per person. 

The easiest way to experience Sherlock Holmes Weekend is with a convenient overnight package, including a room for two nights at a participating accommodation (choose a cozy bed and breakfast inn, beachfront hotel, historic hotel or Victorian suites), plus breakfast and a $75 certificate (per couple) for dinner at your choice of participating restaurants.  Overnight package rates start at $270 per person and are based on double occupancy, room selection (standard, deluxe or super deluxe) and event date.  All Sherlock Holmes Weekend activities are included in the overnight packages.  Please call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278, ext. 185 for more information or to reserve your overnight package.   

The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Cape May’s heritage. MAC also fosters the performing arts. MAC membership is open to all. For more information about MAC’s year-round tours, festivals, special events and many volunteer opportunities, call 609-884-5404, 800-275-4278 or visit MAC’s Web site at www.capemaymac.org. For information about restaurants, accommodations and shopping, call the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May at 609-884-5508.

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