Regency-inspired attire welcomed – think Bridgerton elegance, Pride & Prejudice charm, and a touch of sparkle (yes, a tiara counts)! And, of course, a mask to hide your identity.
Secrets, costumes, dramatic music, delicious dinner, dancing, and murder. What else could you ask for on a Saturday night in Aitkin?
A very special evening that includes our entertainment partners Lyric Opera of the North, Frosted Glass Productions, and Chef Peter Lowe and Block North.
The evening begins with an elegant dinner inspired by Regency England: Leek and potato soup, Slow-roasted herb beef with rosemary and served with Yorkshire pudding, roasted baby potatoes, glazed carrots, and a rich red wine au jus. Dinner is prepared by Chef Peter Lowe and served in the Underground at The Ripple Center.
During dinner, enjoy music and entertainment from singers and musicians from Lyric Opera of the North. In between dinner courses, you will meet Penelope Belmont and her friends. Before the evening is over, someone will die.
After dinner, the party moves upstairs to the Opera House. Ms. Belmont and her friends are hosting a masquerade ball and you are invited. They will invite you to join in a few ballroom dances, giving you simple instruction for group dances. Do not worry if you do not have a dancing partner, they will be provided.
Chef Peter will be serving a delicious dessert of Banoffee pie, a classic Englich dessert made with layers of bananas, rich toffee (dule de leche), and lightly sweetened whipped cream in a buttery biscuit crust. The smooth filling is caramel-like, balanced by fresh banana slices and finished with a cloud of whipped cream and cocoa powder.
As the evening continues, Penelope must decide if she is going to surrender her Gilded Age fortune for love and romance. And, you can help her by solving the murder that occurs during the masquerade ball.
Need a costume?
Reach out to Val at The Costume Collective: https://thecostumecollectivemn.com/ If you need help with delivery, our entertainment partners have offered to assist.
Need a mask?
Rita Fortunato, Fortunato Art Studio is offering mask decorating classes in the weeks prior to the Ball. Class fee includes all materials including mask and decoration. Please contact Rita for more information: fortunatoartstudio@gmail.com
More about the show:
Penelope Belmont, a youthful heiress of the Gilded Age, has a thirst for wine and a hunger for romance. Perhaps the virile vintner, Victor Valentine, can satisfy her cravings. Or, will her desires lead down a mysterious path to murder? Follow the clues in this interactive comedy adventure and solve the crime while enjoying decadent cuisine. Maybe you, too, will surrender the family fortune “for the love of wine... and murder”.