Murder Mystery show set aboard historic V&T train

The Brewery Arts Center will produce “Where is the Gold?” a Wild West melodrama and murder mystery dinner set aboard a vintage Virginia and Truckee Railroad steam engine train, on July 18 and Aug. 15.

Passengers will interact with the cast as unique fictional characters of Northern Nevada’s 1900s before departure. The audience will be invited to help the cast of characters solve the mystery of who stole the gold, and who is responsible for the death of Mr. Big.

The steam engine will head into the Carson River canyon for a 45-minute murder mystery train ride as the play unfolds before their eyes on each of the cars as the train rolls through the Northern Nevada landscape.

The show starts with murder. Passengers in each car will be witness to Mr. Big’s demise. To abuse the famous Mark Twain line, “His death will not be exaggerated,” as Mr. Big will meet his demise three times, once in each passenger car.

Passengers from each train car will cast a vote on who they think the murderer is. Will it be Rose, the incognito opera singer; Silver Jack, the suave gambler; Rusty, the yodeling western cowboy; or Elliot, the accountant with a questionable past? Before the clock strikes 8:30 p.m., the case of the missing gold and the murder of Mr. Big will be solved in the final summation of the play, and the remains of the night will be a guilty culprit and a delighted audience.

Upon return to the Eastgate train depot around 7 p.m., a hearty western barbecue and cash bar will be waiting.

The murder mystery trains depart the Eastgate depot in Carson City at 6 p.m. both nights. Tickets are $75 per person and include the dinner, show and one drink ticket. Fares include an eight-percent historic preservation fee.

Discounted private group charters are also available. For group fares and special excursion trains, call Candace Duncan at 775-721-6255 or 775-291-0208, or send an email to candy@vtrailway.com.

The Carson City passenger station is located at Eastgate Siding on Flint Drive off U.S. Highway 50 East. To keep the memories rolling passengers can stop by the station’s gift shop stocked with V&T souvenirs. For the latest train updates or to purchase tickets, visit www.vtrailway.com, or call 877-724-5007.