FMWR spices up Valentine's event

If you are looking for a Valentine's Day event that includes good food, drink, mystery and comedy all at one low price, make plans to attend the Beef and Burgundy Night and "Murder Two Point Uh-Oh" Mystery Show Feb. 14 at Patriot Club.

This mystery is set at a wedding rehearsal dinner. The bride and groom are graduates of the regional Clown College, and the wedding party members are made up of Clown College friends and acquaintances.

"You never know what to expect when these two directors put on a murder mystery," said Shane Dunlevy, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation community recreation chief. "For anyone who attended last year's show, they know it will be a night of mystery and hilarity. No one knows what'll happen because the show is never the same."

Army entertainment directors Darryl Allara and Ken Freehill have been putting on comedy-murder mystery dinner theaters since 2000. They are contracted by the Army to put on the shows at several installations.

"The show incorporates all ages in the project so it's a multi-generational wedding rehearsal dinner," said Allara. "The audience also gets involved we don't expect them to just sit and watch. We find ways to use the audience as part of the story."

Instead of bringing a cast and crew with them, the directors will issue a casting call for local volunteers. There are no auditions and no one is expected to memorize lines.

"The first casting workshop is Feb. 10 at the Impact Zone. The initial plan is to conduct the workshops after work hours from 6-10 p.m. at the Impact Zone. The first couple of days are to find out which volunteers are leaders and what personalities we have in the mix. Then we work with them on their characterizations," said Freehill.

"Even the performers won't know who the murderer is because Ken and Darryl change the outcome for each performance. So this is a real mystery for everyone," said Dunlevy.

He added this year's show is a little different from last year's in addition to the plot line.

"This year we will post the clues on the projection screen to make them easily visible for everyone in the audience. Everyone is a detective and will have a chance to solve the mystery by asking questions of the performers who will be seated in the audience to answer questions to get clues."

Dinner

Cocktails are at 5 p.m., dinner begins at 6 p.m., and the cost is $25 per person or $30 with wine. The menu includes prime rib, a baked potato bar, full salad bar, fresh baked rolls, dessert station, wine and beverages.

Casting call

"Murder Two Point Uh-Oh" puts out casting call for the whodunit.

"We are looking for 15 to 20 volunteers to be part of the murder mystery," said Laurie Batule, Army Volunteer Corps Program manager."Our volunteers are the stars of the show and we couldn't offer this without them donating their time and talent. Last year our volunteers had fun throughout the week rehearsing and working with Darryl and Ken. This year, rehearsals are Feb. 10-13 at the Impact Zone. All those interested in participating in this unique volunteer opportunity need to contact me before Feb. 10."

For more information about volunteer opportunities in Fort Sill and the surrounding communities, contact Batule at laura.batule.army.mil or call 442-4916.

Tickets

Tickets for the dinner and show are available at either Adventure Travel Office, on post in the Welcome Center, Building 4700 or in Lawton at Central Mall. Call 250-4040 for more information.