It's murder most delicious at the Woodside Golf Course Feb. 15, as the venue is preparing a five-course meal with a side of drama.
Death by Chocolate Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre is a Valentine's Day collaboration between the golf course and Pegasus Murder Mysteries and Theatrical Performances, allowing patrons to enjoy a delectable menu while interacting with the talented Pegasus cast as a mystery full of twists and turns unfolds.
"Really, what we're trying to do is include the full package and make it easy for the guys, if you will," said Chris McNicol, Woodside director of operations. "Chocolate, flowers, a great meal, maybe a little wine, too – everything that that should go with a good Valentine's date."
What makes the event different from the average evening of romance, though, is the fun happening between courses.
"It's a comic, interactive murder mystery, which means that rather than a stage, the action happens up close and intimate in and around and among the tables," said Alison Whitley, Pegasus artistic director/impresario. "The idea is the audience is the super sleuth or the master detective for the evening. So they are trying to solve who-done-it, because somebody might just get killed; there might be a rather comical murder at some point."
The plot involves a chocolate factory and, according to Whitley, a cast of characters who each has motivation to see one of its members offed.
Tillie Tonka owns the factory, but her secretary Cherry Cream is eyeing the business for herself. Then, there is Carob Chipps, Tillie's' main competitor, but she's just a weak and pale imitation. Tonka nut supplier Al Mond is tired of getting paid peanuts, and factory foreman Rock Candie wants better benefits for himself and the Lumpy-Wumpies, "because a spoonful of sugar is all very well but medical benefits are a bit better yet," Whitley said. Rounding out the cast of punny characters are Tillie’s daughter Sugar Maple and her new husband Sir Uppy Maple. Sugar is moving up in the world and doesn’t want to be reminded of her humble origins.
"The team of Pegasus is fantastic at putting together a show that makes everyone laugh," McNicol said, adding, "it's a pretty cool format to be a part of."
The mystery plays out between courses and wraps up with what Whitley called "a kangaroo court, which is where the suspects that are remaining – the ones that are left alive – will be called up to the witness stand."
"It's kind of up to each individual person, how much they want to participate," she said.
She said the performance lends itself to those who are more introverted and want to sit back and simply enjoy the show, and those more outgoing who want to question witnesses and track down the killer.
"If there are two people and one likes to participate and one doesn't, we will totally respect that," she said. "And they both will enjoy themselves."
Of course, sleuths will also enjoy a decadent meal, according McNicol, who was a tight-lipped about specifics but did reveal "there's a big chocolate ending, for sure."
"[The menu is] created all by our very own Chef Lee, who's been with us for five years now and does a fantastic job," he said. "He loves creating things for new events, so we're excited to see what he's come up with for this one."
Tickets cost $99 each or $180 for a pair, and can be purchased at woodsidegc.com by selecting "Shop," then "Woodside Events."
