By Joan Doggrell
Special to The Citizen
On August 13 at 7 p.m., a new headmaster is being announced at the world’s most famous school of witchcraft and wizardry, and all alumni and special guests are invited to attend a celebration in the Great Hall. Be sure to wear your dress robes. All your favorite characters will be in attendance, even a few you wish were not. The Ministry of Magic has insisted that every precaution be taken to ensure the safety of everyone in attendance.
Your journey into the famous school will take you through various locations such as Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, a train, and a pub. Along the way you will have an opportunity to shop for wizardry-themed gifts to get a jump on your holiday shopping.
Once you are in the Great Hall, the “sorting hat” will be called into service to divide the guests into each of four houses (teams). A Marauders’ Map will provide the teams with a blueprint of every locale in the theatre and an explanation how the game is organized. Guests will enjoy a real meal — there will be nothing make-believe about the delicious food, served family style by house elves.
But be prepared. All is not well. Sinister things are happening under mysterious circumstances. It will be up to you to figure out why and how and who is responsible.
There are four rounds to the game. At the end of Round 1 (after the starter course) the detective work begins. Teams can observe the action at the banquet table or move around to other locations. Conversations and action will be taking place at the locations shown on the Marauders’ Map. Detective work could involve eavesdropping on conversations, watching for suspicious behavior or asking questions. NCTC’s famous improv teams will create scenes and respond to questions in character.
Then everyone will return to the banquet hall for the main course. During this course is an opportune time to develop a theory of who may have done what. Then on to Round 3 where there may be more surprises in store. Students and alumni will return for the dessert course and then engage in the final round. The team that solves the mystery – or comes closest to the real solution – gets a prize.
This event is a fundraiser for the 2011/2012 NCTC General Fund. Ticket prices are just $25 per person and include dinner, two drinks and interactive entertainment.
Where else can muggles have so much fun for such a small investment?
For more information and reservations: 770-683-6282 or www.newnantheatre.org
