Master Detective Returns for Cape May’s Sherlock Holmes Weekend

CAPE MAY – Mystics, mediums, murder and mayhem abound in Cape May during Sherlock Holmes Weekend, sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). From Fri., Nov. 4 through Sun., Nov. 6, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s master sleuth, Sherlock Holmes, and his partner Dr. Watson return to Cape May to unravel a baffling new case for 2011, “The Case of the Surreptitious Ghoul!”
Join the famous detective and his partner as they explore the Gothic Habitants of Underground London Society, or G.H.O.U.L.S., for short. Psychics, mystics, mediums and a murderer inhabit this bleak world. The duo will need your help as they peer deep into the darkness and face the fears that lie within. As the Raven states, “Nevermore,” will Holmes reply, “The game’s afoot?” Join Holmes and Watson for another “edge of the seat” thriller.
It is clear that “The Game’s Afoot” on Friday, Nov. 4 at 8:30 p.m. Join Holmes and Watson Watson for Act I, an evening reception at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St. It is here that the crime is committed and your exciting weekend begins.A cash bar will be available. Registration begins at 7 p.m. and doors open for seating at 8 p.m.
On Sat., Nov. 5 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., gather the evidence you need to solve the crime during the Search for Clues Tour. Visit a selection of Cape May’s Victorian treasures in a search of clues alongside other amateur sleuths. Uncover the clues and complete the answer sheet as you enjoy your self-guided tour. The Search for Clues Tour is part of the full event package or may be purchased separately for $15 per person.
The game continues on Sat., Nov. 5 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Inn of Cape May. As Act II begins, questions arise: Why is Holmes drawn to this case? Why was this crime committed and what are the larger ramifications? Compare your findings to those of the famous detective. How are you faring in your search? Have you matched wits with Mr. Holmes or are you on track to become this year’s “clueless wonder?”
On Sun., Nov. 6 at 12:30 p.m. at the Inn of Cape May, Holmes finally unlocks the mystery. Enjoy a hearty lunch as Holmes and Watson reveal the solution to this year’s mystery. Is the villain among us? How well did you fare in your search? Once the mystery is solved, the winners will be announced and prizes awarded.
The East Lynne Theater Company (ELTC) presents an optional activity this weekend, “Sherlock Holmes’ Adventure of the Norwood Builder.” On Fri., Nov. 4 and Sat., Nov. 5, step back in time, as ELTC presents this tale in the style of a vintage radio broadcast, complete with live sound effects and commercials, just like the Sherlock Holmes radio series on NBC that premiered on Oct. 20, 1930. To save an innocent man from prison, Holmes and Watson must find the thief who stole a valuable gem. The production is adapted from the work by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle by Craig Wichman, the founder and producer of the nationally acclaimed Quicksilver Radio Theater. Productions take place at 8 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, Decatur and Hughes streets. General admission is $25, full-time students are $15, ages 18 and under admitted free.
Full weekend packages are available at $180 per couple or $95 per person. Full Weekend Packages include the welcome reception, tour, performances and lunch. Sherlock Holmes Weekend packages do not include accommodations or the East Lynne Theater Company performance.
The easiest way to experience Sherlock Holmes Weekend is to take advantage of a convenient overnight package. Overnight packages start at $270 per person (based on double occupancy, room selection [standard, deluxe or super deluxe], and event date) and include a room for two nights with breakfast at your choice of accommodations (choose between cozy bed and breakfast inns, beachfront hotels, historic hotels or Victorian suites), a $75 dinner gift certificate (per couple) good at participating restaurants, and all Sherlock Holmes Weekend activities. Please call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278, ext. 162 for more information or to reserve your overnight package.