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Wine & Dine in Stifel Mansion

Stifel Center Hosts Wine Tasting & Mystery Dinner Theater

WHEELING, W.Va. – – Oglebay Institute is adding some drama to its September wine event with mystery dinner theater! Mystery Theatre Unlimited presents its original show, “Speakeasy, Die Hard” at 7 p.m. Saturday, September 17 at OI’s Stifel Fine Arts Center.

Set in a mob-owned bar during prohibition, the show features musical parodies, audience interaction and a murder mystery to solve. Audience members question suspects and win prizes for the best guesses as to, “who done it?” and for funniest guesses, too.

During the show, guests enjoy three wine selections and a buffet of foods.

Cast members of "Speakeasy, Die Hard" rear, from left, are: Dee McCorkle Gregg, Frank Wilson, Michael Moran; front, from left, are: Vera Barton-Caro and Butch Maxwell.
Cast members of “Speakeasy, Die Hard” rear, from left, are: Dee McCorkle Gregg, Frank Wilson, Michael Moran; front, from left, are: Vera Barton-Caro and Butch Maxwell.

“The Stifel Fine Arts Center is one of Wheeling’s grand properties,” director Rick Morgan said. “It is a fabulous venue where you can wine, dine and watch a terrific live show, too.”

The 100-year-old Edemar Mansion (now known as the Stifel Fine Arts Center) is the former home of one of Wheeling’s most prominent families and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Morgan said the Art of Wine series offers more than wine. In addition to food and drink, events often feature music, comedy, improv and more.

“You can also view the changing art exhibits on display in the galleries and explore the historic mansion. Marvel at the beautiful stained glass windows, grand central staircase, marble floors and the majestic fireplace in the formal living room. During warm weather, stroll through the gardens.”

He said events attract people of all ages, are great “date nights” and are popular with groups of friends looking for a unique place to hang out and socialize.

“Sipping a glass of wine, mingling with friends and just soaking up the atmosphere of this beautiful venue is a great way to spend an evening,” he said.

Get tickets.

Admission is $35. Members of Oglebay Institute receive a discount. Advanced reservations are required and can be made at www.oionline.com or by calling 304-242-7700.

 

 

 

 

Slam Poetry with “The Prosers”

Somewhere there are people who want to be heard.

Somewhere there are people whose minds are filled with words that emote and engage.

Somewhere there are people from our community who expose their souls in ways that can inspire, shock and entertain.

That somewhere is Towngate Theatre.

As part of the Second Season at Towngate, The Prosers, a group of local spoken-word artists, perform original, intensely emotional works. They share powerful stories of personal struggle and authentic experiences while examining social justice issues.

They will perform Saturday, September 10 at 8 p.m. Come and listen to a broad range of voices and styles. During the performances, singers, songwriters and musicians often join the poets on stage. Most of all, explore the connection between poetry, personal expression and civic engagement.

“Our shows attract all types, probably because we perform from different perspectives and have artists of all types, from teens to teachers, high school students to local hip hop heavyweights,”  Prosers spokesperson Sara Fincham said. “The poets that will be performing all came to the show through different avenues and arts. We showcase our different styles and deliveries, pre-written or improvised, sitting or standing, practiced or impromptu performed. A mixed bag of artists provide examples of what happens when perspectives collide, coexist, and collaborate on the same stage!”

Poetry with a modern beat.

Slam poetry is different than your traditional poetry. It is literary rap, impassioned commentary, uninhibited word art, poetry and improvisation all wrapped up in one package. And, it is written to be performed.

“Slam poetry gives people a voice and offers variety,” Sara said. “It really isn’t defined by any parameters. It can cover lots of content, be written or improvised, and it’s very active all the way around, from the artists to the audience. It also has social and academic benefits. It promotes literacy, public speaking, and self-confidence. It’s social, too. It encourages teamwork and leadership, connection to community, and civic engagement. Poems can be political, provide perspective, and encourage insight and involvement.”

Local performers share their poems.

Poets Sara Fincham, Chermayne Davis, Claudell Whetstone, Whitney Healy, Gabrielle Marshall, Samantha Pearl, and Maya Huggins will perform at Saturday’s show.

The event also features an open mic session. Poets, new and experienced, shy and bold, can bring their poems and read aloud to the audience.

If you have something to say, the microphones and the ears are open at Towngate Theatre.

Tickets are on sale now. Purchase tickets online, at the door or call 304-242-7700. Admission is only $5.

Towngate Theatre is more than theater…

Towngate’s Second Season enhances Wheeling’s arts landscape with literary programming, spoken word performances, improvisation and more.  Programs often feature works by emerging and/or local authors, playwrights and poets.