The Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion is spicing things up for Valentine's Day this year with a murder mystery dinner theatre presentation.
The Calgary-based Terry Shane Murder Mysteries production is called Checkmate My Sweet Valentine, which will be performed by the company's Red Deer troupe.
“We've had a Valentine's Gala in the past that included a meal and a dance,” said Floyd Wacker, chair of the entertainment committee with the legion. “This dinner theatre is something totally new to the legion.
“We're trying to make it a romantic evening.”
Wacker said he and fellow committee members wanted to bring in a new form of entertainment for Valentine's Day this year.
“We thought we'd like to try different types of entertainment. I've seen a few murder mysteries in Calgary and thought it might go over very well in our community,” he said. “Everybody thought it was a good idea.”
The murder mystery dinner theatre is being presented on Feb. 13. Doors at the legion open at 6 p.m., with the play and introductions beginning about 6:30 p.m., noted Wacker. The evening will include a three-course dinner beginning at 7 p.m.
Guests can enjoy their meal while the murder mystery unfolds, said Wacker, noting it's an interactive play that often involves the audience members.
“There's pens and paper on the tables and they give you different scenarios,” he said. “The audience is supposed to solve this murder mystery. They give you clues to solve the murder.”
The play will involve about nine actors and actresses from the Red Deer theatre group, said Wacker, noting the legion often provides entertainment for the community on a regular basis.
This year's Valentine's Day theatre dinner is not a fundraiser but rather an entertaining evening for locals to enjoy.
“It's just strictly entertainment for the community,” said Wacker. “We can reserve tables of eight for groups, and there's going to be door prizes. It should be a lot of fun.
“If it's successful we hope to be able to host something like this again next year,” Wacker concluded.
Tickets for the murder mystery dinner on Feb. 13 are $25.
For more information contact the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion at 403- 227-3622.
Floyd Wacker
"We thought we'd like to try different types of entertainment. I've seen a few murder mysteries in Calgary and thought it might go over very well in our community."
