Lex 18 hosts immersive Thomas Wolfe mystery dinner theater, Sept. 20

Lex 18 launched a historical mystery dinner theater show on Wednesday, Aug. 26, featuring actors portraying Thomas Wolfe, Dr. Watson and others. The immersive evening included readings, live music, period costume, craft cocktails, a four-course meal and a mystery that unfolded throughout the night. The Thomas Wolfe mystery dinner theater returns on Sunday, Sept. 20, at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $55 per person.

Press release from Lex 18:

On Sunday, the 20th of September, Lex 18 introduces Asheville’s first historical mystery dinner theater focused on Thomas Wolfe. This unforgettable, immersive mystery dinner experience takes you back to 1929 as guests of the restaurant await the arrival of the evening’s honored guest and native son Thomas Wolfe.  Thomas, returning for a brief visit to his childhood home, has been invited to the Eureka Saloon to dine with guests and perform a reading from his newest book Look Homeward, Angel, scheduled to be published the next month.  
The proprietress of the Eureka Saloon has made great plans for her guests’ enjoyment including bootlegged wine, beer and whisky, a four-course dinner affair and a hired jazz musician from Washington, DC who has agreed to travel the distance just to hear and see the young novelist he admires.

After Mr. Wolfe’s reading of a rather spicy excerpt from his “tell-all” novel, a lovely dining experience accompanied by live music appears to unfold seamlessly. Suddenly, however, in the midst of all this enjoyment the evening takes a dark turn. A deceptive plot, prickled with mysterious motives and unwanted suspicions, is revealed in the chaos.  

Luckily, one guest in attendance can turn the evening’s digression and resolve the accusations and defensive posturing.  He is reluctant to step into the role, however, as he senses he may open a bigger can of worms than anyone has bargained for.

STYLE AND ENGAGEMENT

This uniquely designed dinner experience blends historical facts, setting and personages with fictionalized events that are both fun and fascinating.  Guests’ interactions and involvement can range from fully engaged mystery sleuths to removed observers with instructions to just play their authentic selves.  

The only guest requirement is to dress for dinner in the style of the 1920s and 1930s.  Upon ticket purchase guests will receive a mailed invitation from the proprietress of the Eureka Saloon (present-day LEX 18) providing directions and information detailing the evening’s event.

THE EXPERIENCE
: Guest Arrival 6:45 p.m.

COCKTAIL RECEPTION:
Sample tasting of:
• The French 75
• Mary Pickford
• 
Barbary Coast

FIRST COURSE
Eureka Appetizer Sampler: 
Cheese Croquettes, Beef Olives, NC Ashe County Blue Cheese, Daniel’s Deviled Pimento Eggs, Corn made crackers

SECOND COURSE
Potage Chef Kaufmann and Local Asheville Greens

THIRD COURSE CHOICES
• 
NC catfish, lobster butter, creamy white grits, seasonal vegetables
• 
Maple and bourbon glazed pork loin, NC apple bread pudding, ginger baby carrots
• 
NC local roasted squash, celery root puree, shaved brussel sprouts, mushrooms, spinach, fried tobacco onions

FOURTH COURSE 
Eureka’s Shine Cheese Cake Cream Pot

$55.00/pp — Additional Alcohol; Sales Tax; 20% Gratuity Charge are not included.

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2081014

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About Alli Marshall
Alli Marshall has lived in Asheville for more than 20 years and loves live music, visual art, fiction and friendly dogs. She is the winner of the 2016 Thomas Wolfe Fiction Prize and the author of the novel "How to Talk to Rockstars," published by Logosophia Books. Follow me @alli_marshall

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