Press Release: September 27, 2016
Contacts:
Bernie Butcher
Bert Hutt
Tallman Hotel
Murder Us Productions
(707) 245-0041
(707) 245-4593
[email protected] [email protected]
Christopher Veach
Lake County Librarian
(707) 263-8817
[email protected]
TALLMAN MYSTERY DINNER OCTOBER 22 FOCUSES
ON JACK LONDON’S CALL OF THE WILD
October is “Big Read” month in Lake County and the focus this year is on the great Jack
London novel of the Alaskan gold rush Call of the Wild. In keeping with this theme, the Tallman
Hotel in Upper Lake, along with actors from Murder Us Productions in Lakeport, will host an
authentic Klondike Mystery Dinner on Saturday evening October 22.
Tallman owner Bernie Butcher commented that “people have had tremendous fun with
previous Big Read related events tied to The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan and To Kill a
Mockingbird by Harper Lee. This one could be the best ever.”
Bert Hutt and his wife Christine of Murder Us Productions have again created an original
scenario for this dinner and will be supplying a group of talented actors to assume various roles
in the Mystery. “This novel offers us a lot of creative options in constructing an authentic
mystery,” says Bert. “The entire cast is looking forward to a fun, adventurous evening.”
The Call of the Wild is a short adventure novel by Jack London published in 1903 and set
in the Yukon Territory during the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush. The central character is a
powerful dog named Buck, stolen from his home in Santa Clara and sold into service as a sled
dog in Alaska.
Although eventually owned by a sympathetic master, John Thornton, Buck becomes
progressively feral in the harsh environment. By the end, he sheds the veneer of civilization, and
relies on primordial instinct and learned experience to emerge as a leader in the wild.
Although costumes are not required, guests are encouraged to wear 1890s dresses or
rough mining gear. Guests will gather at 5:30 for drinks at the Blue Wing, outfitted as a rough
Saturday night saloon in Dawson, Yukon Territory. They will mingle with John Thornton, Buck
and a group of miners in for a good time.
When a murder occurs, guests will adjourn to the Tallman Dining Room for a delicious
dinner prepared by Blue Wing Chef Mark Linback as they sift through clues and attempt to solve
the mystery.
Coffee is served in Riffe’s Meeting House as the real culprit is revealed and prizes
awarded for the correct answer and for the best costumes.
“We have a full month of activities planned in October to encourage people to explore
the genius of Jack London and this novel in particular,” says Lake County Librarian Christopher
Veach. “We really appreciate the creative involvement of the Tallman and Blue Wing in
supporting the program.”
Reservations for the Mystery Dinner at $85 plus tax may be made by calling the Tallman
Hotel at (707) 275-2244 ext. 0. More information on other October Big Read events can be
found at www.lakecountybigread.com.