Please note this course begins Friday at 8:00 p.m.:
FRIDAY
4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Check In (Rooms available after 5:00 p.m.)
The guests check in and receive a welcome packet that includes a schedule of activities and a summary of the mystery weekend events.
8:00 p.m.–8:50 p.m.
Talked to Death: Act I
Witness pre-show jitters and hijinks as the crew of The Very Late Show prepare the stage for what might be the last network appearance of popular host, Les Hope. The stubborn and artsy camera operator, Heinrich, attempts to direct the action including the responsibilities of the show's too-eager-to-please stage manager Crystal Moore. The production's meddling producer, Colonel Hornsby, will loudly interfere as he mumbles and stumbles around the stage.
Minutes before the “on-air” sign flashes, Bootsie, the network's makeup artist and costume designer, enters with a frazzled Les Hope. Bootsie attempts to please the star, but his stabbing makeup brush and sarcasm get in the way. Once Les is behind her desk, everyone aggressively decides to sample the products that are sponsoring the show.
Then, after Crystal’s final countdown, Skimpy Rueben, the studio musician, plays the show’s theme song. The sponsors are heard from and Heinrich’s camera rolls. The first guests are conjoined twins, and country singers, Jacob and Jezebel. They manage to perform a duet despite their open conflicts. Les, at least on camera, attempts to restore order. Once she cuts to the first commercial break, Bootsie, Heinrich, Crystal, and the Colonel all clash over real and imagined issues. Jacob and Jezebel engage in their own conflict, and before Skimpy plays the theme song for the next segment, someone drops dead–on stage.
9:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Music, Mingling, and Drinks
SATURDAY
7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m.
Yoga, Tai Chi, or Meditation
9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Scavenger Hunt
Participate in Scavenger Hunt or any of the following: hiking, kayaking on the lake, Spend time in the Library or Sanctuary
11:00 a.m.-11:50 a.m.
Talked to Death: Act II
As the crewmembers of The Very Late Show try to salvage the remainder of this deadly broadcast, Sandy Schell, an up-and-coming stand-up comic, happens to be in the audience. She rises and demands a spot on the show. Crystal dismisses Sandy before it is revealed she is not only Heinrich’s niece, but also someone who Les Hope attempted to blacklist in the television industry.
To say she has an ax to grind is an understatement. And that position she shares with the second set of tonight’s guests, Milton and Mitzi, a couple who will share their out-of-this-world encounter. But before their battle is aired, the Colonel reaches for the microphone, and the cue cards, as he demands to host the show. But Bootsie threatens to blackmail the Colonel with proof of his past shenanigans. The Colonel backs down, Sandy and Skimpy form a bond, Crystal and Heinrich trade insults, the show's guests argue and you, as a member of the studio audience, witness another death!
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Afternoon Tea in the Café
4:00 p.m.–4:50 p.m.
Talked to Death: Act III
Were both on-stage deaths the result of homicide? If so, who was responsible? There is evidence of one fatality. Is it possible the victim was murdered twice? Everyone seems to have had a motive for at least one of the deaths, and by now it is apparent that at least one of the products that sponsor The Very Late Show may have been the means. Was it Bootsie’s Bomb Hairspray, Kernel of Truth Bourbon, Faux Pas Spring Water, or nip N nap calming tablets? Each of these products can be traced to one of the show’s crewmembers.
In this segment, you will encounter two more scheduled guests. One is Golda Sparks, an agitating political activist, who admits during her on-air rant that she had a pre-show encounter with Les Hope. The other is Phyllis Marlowe, a best-selling mystery writer. Scheduled to promote her latest book, Marlowe decides she is going to use her airtime to solve a murder. Overcoming the host’s objections, she begins to lay out what she claims are motives and opportunities for murder. But, is she as innocent as she seems? The act ends with a surprise visitor, one who takes control of the on-air murder investigation, and one who announces everyone is a suspect including Phyllis Marlowe.
Before Sunday morning guests will submit their completed “whodunit” sheets, placing them in a box that is conveniently displayed outside of the theater.
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Group Discussion
Individuals and teams gather to discuss clues and motives and to solve the murder.
SUNDAY
7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m.
Yoga, Tai Chi, or Meditation
10:00 a.m.–10:45 a.m.
Workshop
Individuals and teams take the stage to present their solutions
11:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Talked to Death, Act IV
During the last commercial break, MBC has announced a ratings bonanza. Not only will The Very Late Show be renewed, but also the current broadcast will continue, live, until the murder, or murders, are solved. As the impartial, mystery guest continues with the murder investigation, the motives of Heinrich, Bootsie, Crystal, Skimpy, Sandy, Golda, and Phyllis are examined. Objections and outrage continue until the evidence unmistakably points to the murderer! And he or she is revealed.
After, the winners are announced, prizes will be awarded.
1:00 p.m.
Check Out
The above schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the faculty.
