Sherlock Holmes Weekend Returns to Cape May

CAPE MAY — Join Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s master sleuth, Sherlock Holmes, with his partner Dr. Watson, as he chases after evidence in this year’s baffling mystery, “Sherlock Holmes and the Case of The Unforgiven,” during Cape May’s Sherlock Holmes Weekend, sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC), Nov. 7 through Nov. 9.
In this mystery written by Linda Swain and featuring the Midsummers Night Players, Holmes accepts an invitation to aid a United States senator in his quest to locate secret documents that, if found by the wrong people, would have disastrous results for many high ranking government officials. For Holmes, the decision to assist the senator brings him face to face with notorious characters from his past. One of these former adversaries knows of a dark secret, a tragic event that has haunted Holmes for years. Holmes must face his demons.
On Friday evening, Nov. 7, at 8:30 p.m., Act I begins and the game’s afoot. The cast sets the stage for the weekend’s adventures at a coffee and dessert reception. Nov. 8, it’s the Search for Clues Tour from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Gather the evidence you need as you stalk the streets of Victorian Cape May and unravel the clues that will help you solve the crime. You’ll tour the interiors of a selection of Cape May’s Victorian architectural treasures where you’ll find clues and complete your answer sheet. The Search for Clues Tour can be purchased separately at $15 per person. Anyone completing an answer sheet is eligible to win the Sherlock Holmes Weekend $250 grand prize and need not be present to win.
Act II begins Saturday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. and the game continues. Meet with fellow sleuths and compare notes with Holmes and Watson. Have you matched wits with the famed detective?
Finally, the mystery reveals itself in Act III on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 9, at 12:30 p.m., as Holmes and the rest of the cast divulge the solution in dramatic form and winners are announced. Enjoy a hearty lunch to celebrate.
Also during Sherlock Holmes Weekend, the East Lynne Theater Company (ELTC) presents “Holmes and Carter Mysteries,” Nov. 7 and Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes St. Enjoy this vintage-radio style production complete with live sound effects and commercials, featuring two great detective stories — Sherlock Holmes’ Adventure of the Copper Beeches about a governess in peril, and Nick Carter and the Strange Dr. Devolo, in which Manhattan millionaires are missing. Tickets are $25 general; $15 students; ages 12 and under free.
Throughout the weekend, participants will get in on the chase during the Search for Clues Tour, vie for the $250 grand prize, among others, and enjoy performances, lunch and an optional theatrical production. Full weekend packages are available at $200 per couple or $105 per person. Sherlock Holmes Weekend packages do not include accommodations or the East Lynne Theater Company performance.
The Search for Clues Tour on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. is also offered as a separate admission of $15.
Affordable overnight packages that include accommodations are also available. Please call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278, ext. 185 for more information or to reserve your overnight package or visit www.capemaymac.org.
The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) is a multifaceted not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the preservation, interpretation, and cultural enrichment of the Cape May region for its residents and visitors. MAC membership is open to all. For information about MAC’s year-round schedule of tours, festivals, and special events, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278, or visit MAC’s Web site at www.capemaymac.org. For information about restaurants, accommodations and shopping, call the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May at 609-884-5508. For information about historic accommodations, contact Cape May Historic Accommodations at www.capemaylodging.com.