Chateau to host ghostly history mystery in May
From our weekly issue dated April 14, 2010
Five actors will portray ghosts in the Chateau dinner-theater comedy “No Bones About It.” (From left) Jake Johnstone, Serena Barry, Ryan Nolan, Ruth Hamblin and Jack Dwyer. (Photo provided)
“No Bones About It” a two-act comedy, will kick off this year“s Mother“s Day weekend events at the Chateau at Oregon Caves National Monument.
This world premiere explores the history of the Oregon Caves and will be presented at 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 8 and Friday, May 14.
The play, written and directed by Illinois Valley author Jack Dwyer, weaves parts of the stories of Elijah Davidson and others into a mystery involving prehistoric jaguar bones discovered in the Oregon Caves. Additional characters have been created by Dwyer for this highly entertaining “whodunit.“
The audience will be invited to help solve the mystery by searching for clues hidden in public areas of the venerable structure.
Dwyer is well-known in the Illinois Valley community as an accomplished musician who also taught English, drama, and social studies at Lorna Byrne Middle School for 28 years until he retired in 2001.
He has extensive experience as a director at LBMS and other local schools, and for the highly successful I.V. Family Coalition murder-mystery fund-raiser held each January at the Selma Community & Education Center.
Members of the cast are many of those from the recent fund-raiser including Ryan Nolan as Elijah Davidson (recognized as the discoverer of the cave), Jake Johnstone as Walter Burch, and Jack Dwyer as famed poet Joaquin Miller, who popularized the “Marble Halls of Oregon.“ These three actors represent the ghosts of the historic characters.
Other “murder-mystery“ alumni playing “No Bones“ fictional characters include Nicole Rensenbrink as archeologist Betsy Trowell, Serena Barry as the ghost of “Elizabeth,“ and Judy Hoyle as “ghostologist“ Etheria Breeze. Additional characters include fictional Chateau personnel; Fastidia Munchfiber played by Lisa Kelz, and Cynthia Fairgrove played by Ruth Hamblin.
The play presents a mystery, but no murder is involved. Similar to Charles Dickens“ “Christmas Carol,“ some of the play“s characters appear as ghosts from the past as well as the future. Guests are encouraged to book a room for the weekend or plan to enjoy dinner at the Chateau prior to the evening“s entertainment. Seating is limited. Early booking is recommended.
As is customary, the Chateau will open for the season on Mother“s Day weekend. The Mother“s Day tradition of champagne brunch at the Chateau will round out the weekend festivities on Sunday, May 9 with extended hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Chef Angelo Coronado is planning a special menu which complements champagne.
Reservations for either the play or brunch can be made by phoning 541-592-3400 during regular business hours.
The Illinois Valley Community Development Organization has contracted with the National Park Service to operate the Chateau at the Oregon Caves as Oregon Caves Outfitters, concessionaires.
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