Whether one is interested in traditional “whodunits,” hardboiled private eyes, secret agents, vampires, werewolves, or shapeshifters, the Herbert Wescoat Memorial Library’s 2012 Spring Literary Arts Festival will certainly offer something for everyone’s taste in the mystery genre.
“The Plot Thickens,” the 8th annual festival sponsored by the Herbert Wescoat Memorial Library and the Friends of the Library, scheduled for April 9-15, features events that highlight an exhibit of Sherlock Holmes’ flat at 221B Baker Street, staged dramatic readings, a screening of a mystery film, a casino night, live jazz music, a writing contest, author presentations, a murder mystery dinner theater, a mystery musicale, and great cuisine.
Main events will begin on Friday night with the “Clue” game casino night as guests are invited into “The Tudor Mansion” for casino games, food, a cash bar, and music provided by The Artisan Jazz Trio. “Clue” game costumes are encouraged for fun, but they are not required for admission.
Saturday events will feature the writing contest awards ceremony and keynote presentations by Stephanie Barczewski, Ph.D. and mystery writer Steve Hamilton. The day will end with a commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, as Random Acts of Toledo performs “A Titanic Mystery,” a mystery dinner theater. The menu includes a mixed leaf salad with black peppercorn or sweet Vidalia onion dressings, roasted Cornish hens with sage, onion, and celery dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, roasted mixed vegetables, homemade yeast rolls, and apple cake with rich vanilla sauce, all prepared by Chef Mary Reynolds of Flutes and Peppercorns.
The weekend activities will close on Sunday with a luncheon and a mystery musicale.
Most events are free. However, admission is charged for some activities, including those where food is served. Contact the library at 596-5691 for information.
A Spring Literary Arts Festival: The Plot Thickens
Monday, March 19 – Saturday, April 14 (Library Meeting Room) A Careful Examination of the Room —an exhibit of the famous study of Sherlock Holmes’ flat at 221B Baker Street and a framed poster display featuring mystery writers and famous mystery and detective characters from literature and film
Wednesday, March 21 (Library Meeting Room) 6:30 p.m. Staged Readings – two dramatic adaptations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective Sherlock Holmes in “The Painful Predicament,” “How Watson Learned the Trick,”and “The Crown Diamond,” performed by the Friends’ Community Players; free tickets available at the library (seating is limited—please arrive early with your ticket)
Wednesday, March 28 (Library Meeting Room) 6:30 p.m. Staged Readings – two dramatic adaptations of Agatha Christie’s amateur detective Miss Marple in “The Tuesday Night Club” and “Death by Drowning,” performed by the Friends’ Community Players; free tickets available at the library (seating is limited—please arrive early with your ticket)
Monday, April 2 (Library Meeting Room) 6:30 p.m. Staged Readings – two dramatic adaptations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective Sherlock Holmes in “The Painful Predicament,” “How Watson Learned the Trick,”and “The Crown Diamond,” performed by the Friends’ Community Players; free tickets available at the library (seating is limited—please arrive early with your ticket)
Monday, April 9 (Library Meeting Room) 6:30 p.m. Murder by Death (film) A 1976 comedy film, written by Neil Simon and directed by Robert Moore, spoofs the traditional country-house whodunit, with a cast that includes Eileen Brennan, Truman Capote, James Coco, Peter Falk, Alec Guinness, Elsa Lanchester, David Niven, Peter Sellers, Maggie Smith, Nancy Walker, and Estelle Winwood. Run time: 1 hr. and 34 minutes Rating: PG
Wednesday, April 11 (Library Meeting Room) 6:30 p.m. Staged Readings – two dramatic adaptations of Agatha Christie’s amateur detective Miss Marple in “The Tuesday Night Club” and “Death by Drowning,” performed by the Friends’ Community Players; free tickets available at the library (seating is limited—please arrive early with your ticket)
Friday, April 13 (McArthur VFW Post #5299) 7:30 p.m. Clue Game Casino Night Join residents as guests in The Tudor Mansion (Colonel Mustard, Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, and Mrs. Peacock) that includes games, food, a cash bar, and music provided by the Artisan Jazz Trio, a group based in Columbus, Ohio, that performs instrumental jazz standards, consisting of piano, bass, and drums. “Clue” game costumes are encouraged for fun, but they are not required for admission. Admission is $5.00, and tickets will be on sale at the library and at the door.
Saturday, April 14
(Admission is free for all events held in the meeting room at the library.)
12:00 p.m. (Library Meeting Room) Reception and Presentation of Linda Ogle Russ Memorial Writing Contest Awards
1:00 p.m. (Library Meeting Room) Keynote Presentation and Book Signing Stephanie Barczewski, Ph.D., Professor of History, Clemson University, and author of Titanic: A Night Remembered, in remembrance of the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.
2:30 p.m. (Library Meeting Room) Keynote Presentation and Book Signing Steve Hamilton, the 2011 Edgar Award winner for The Lock Artist and author of the Alex McKnight series.
7:00 p.m. (Vinton County High School Cafetorium) Murder Mystery Dinner Theater A Titanic Mystery, performed by Random Acts of Toledo, Ohio. A $25 advance purchase ticket includes dinner and the show (on sale until Monday, April 9). The menu, provided by Chef Mary Reynolds of Flutes and Peppercorns, includes: a mixed leaf salad with black peppercorn or sweet Vidalia onion dressings, roasted Cornish hens with sage, onion, and celery dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, roasted mixed vegetables, homemade yeast rolls, and apple cake with rich vanilla sauce.
Sunday, April 15 (Vinton County High School Cafetorium)
1:00 p.m. Boxed Luncheon (The cost for the luncheon and the afternoon entertainment will be $15 per person. Advance tickets must be purchased for the luncheon.) The boxed luncheon, prepared by Chef Mary Reynolds of Flutes and Peppercorns, includes: chicken salad sandwiches on whole wheat bread with oat flake crust, classic mustard potato salad, ambrosia fruit salad with pineapple and mandarin oranges, assorted snacks, coffee, unsweetened iced tea, and raspberry punch.
2:00 p.m. Mystery Musicale (a showcase of local entertainment) Admission to only the musicale will be $5.00 per person, and tickets will be available pre-sale and at the door.
For more information, visit online at www.vintoncountypublic.lib.oh.us or phone (740) 596-5691.
This program is made possible in part by the Ohio Humanities Council,a State affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.