Cleopatra’s tomb found at Aspen Crossing’s Dinner and Theatre

Times Contributor

 

Inspired by the 1940’s and 1950’s era of old fashioned films, Aspen Crossing, the recent 2011 Rural Tourism Champion, presents their Halloween production, ‘Train of the Dead.’ The Dinner Theatre allows the audience to enjoy an elegant 3 course meal, while taking in the live performance which surrounds them, inside of an 1887 Pullman Rail Car which was once used by former Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. Guests are encouraged to ask the characters questions and get involved in the show, making it a more of an interactive experience. 

The story follows Kate, a dedicated archaeologist who’s been obsessed with finding Cleopatra’s tomb and succeeds in her efforts. As Kate and the discovered remains make their way by train across Canada, the question of ‘was the tomb cursed?’ arises. The drama thriller, unlike previous shows, does not ask the audience to try and figure out the mystery as it happens right in front of them.

Gail Whiteford, writer of ‘Train of the Dead’  as well as many other Aspen Crossing productions, said that inspiration came from reading an article in National Geographic about a woman whose life aspiration is to find Cleopatra’s tomb. It was not until Whiteford began writing the play that she realized that the old fashioned thriller ‘movie’ evolved. Building on the silver screen theme, all of the characters costumes will be mostly black and white. 

“I love those old movies, so I think it was timely needed to have a classic black and white movie. It’s highly over dramatic with all of those poses, over the top acting styles with almost going to melodrama but not quite,” said Whiteford.

While attending Aspen Crossing’s Dinner Theatre, guests will not have to worry about not being able to enjoy their meals and drinks as intermissions will be scattered throughout the show, timed to give a break for each course.

“We sort of feel the cooks are just as much artists as we are, so the audience should really get a chance to enjoy the incredible food out there,” said Whiteford. 

Aspen Crossing’s Dinner Theatre is near the end of their second season, and they anticipate another successful five show season the following year. For businesses who are looking to do something different at their company Christmas party, Whiteford says Aspen Crossing can base their theatre production on the particular crowd.

“For example, we did Vulcan this year for Vulcan Days. We did a whole show based on Star Trek, so we can tailor and make a script for any crowd,” said Whiteford. 

For groups who wish to extend their stay, the company can also provide room and board in their 1949 Canadian Pacific Caboose cabin that’s renovated into a camper and sleeps 4-5 people, has a kitchen, a bathroom, a fireplace, a flat screen TV. Groups who wish to put off the drive home for the next day can book the caboose by calling ahead and making a reservation. 

Keeping in mind that the train car seats only 38, Whiteford says tickets do tend to sell out quickly, but tickets to Train of the Dead are still available as well as tickets to their November and Christmas productions. The first week of Train of the Dead runs from Oct. 26-29 and Nov. 2-5 in the second week. Wednesday and Thursday shows are priced at $55 and the Friday and Saturday shows are priced at $65. The shows are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

To book tickets to Train of the Dead as well as making a reservation for the caboose cabin, more information can be found by calling 1-(866)-440-3500 and by visiting www.aspencrossing.com