"Beach Blanket Bump-Off" is featured Murder Mystery at West Virginia State Parks 2010 Dinner Theaters

            It may be wintry outside, but indoors at West Virginia State Parks’ dinner theaters, things heat up quickly as beach bars and babes set the stage for this season’s murder mystery, “Beach Blanket Bump-Off.”

            The In Cahoot Players, directed by West Virginia’s own Karen Vuranch, are performing at five state parks in 2010. “The evenings are always fun when this group brings it to the table at dinner theaters that your state parks organize,” said Sissie Summers, state parks activities coordinator. “Karen brought the first murder mystery to state parks in the mid-1980s at Twin Falls State Park for a full weekend. It was detailed, involved, fun, and a hoot, which is reflected in this performing group’s name today.”     

            The Lost Parrot Bar is the setting for cast and park guests in this season’s mystery.  Karuna Kahuna operates this laid back beach bar and has a group of singers and entertainers lined up for the beach (park) guests. But, as usual, there’s trouble washing into this tropical paradise and one of the players soon finds danger lurking and someone may be swimming with the fishes by day's end. Dinner attendees will solve the mystery and help bring a murderer to justice.  “It’s all in fun” says Andrea Fout-Tinsley, one of the In Cahoots players, who will not divulge who dun-it.

            Overnight and evening only rates are offered for each event. Prices vary at each area. Beach Blanket Bump Off, a murder mystery, is scheduled at these West Virginia State Parks.

• Jan. 30 – Hawks Nest State Park (Fayette Co) – 304-658-5212
• Feb. 13 – Chief Logan Lodge (Logan Co) – 304-855-6100
• Feb. 20 – Pipestem Resort State Park (Summers) – 304-466-1800
• April 9 – North Bend State Park (Ritchie Co) - 304-643-2931
• April 23 – 25, 2010 – Blackwater Falls State Park (Tucker Co) – 304-259-5216

            Each park offers an overnight package that includes dinner for two, the murder mystery play and lodge accommodations. Continental breakfast or additional meals are included in some overnight packages such as Chief Logan Lodge. Chief Logan’s event is on Valentine’s weekend.  Hawks Nest, North Bend, and Pipestem Resort each put a different twist on the event and packages offered. Parks should be contacted for event details.

            Blackwater Falls State Park makes it a full weekend in April with a beach party and DJ dance on Friday night; activities Saturday include the mystery and dinner; and breakfast Sunday with the cast of In Cahoot Players. “We’re planning on a great party and weekend” says Lois Reed, Lodge Manager.  “It’s time for some fun in the sun, even if we have to create our own beach.”  Blackwater Falls has seen record numbers of guests enjoying snow and sled riding at the park’s sled rope tow. Reed's organization of a Friday dance and a Saturday murder mystery in April is a good transition into spring months.

            For information about all events at West Virginia’s state parks and forest, click “Events Calendar” online at www.wvstateparks.com.