Historical Ghost Story Murder Mystery Debuts on Kaua‘i

A few members of the cast of Ghost of the Sinclair Plantation, from left: Kaina Allard-Mahoney as Koa Sinclair, Claudia Cowden as Nalani Kahale, Jennifer Cullen as Eliza Sinclair and Bard Widmer as John Sinclair. Contributed photo

The time is August 1888, and the residents of the Sinclair sugar plantation are knee-deep in spirits and suspicions in the Ghost of the Sinclair Plantation, presented by Tropicbird Entertainment as a dinner theater on Aug. 28 at Courtyard by Marriott.

“The ghost of the beautiful Beulah Sinclair haunts the stage, seeking her murderer — and it’s up to the audience to deduce who is the culprit,” said Nadya Wynd, writer and director of the first-of-its-kind, original and historical Kaua‘i-based murder mystery.

Inspired by Kaua‘i history and culture, Ghost of the Sinclair Plantation captures both the everyday and otherworldly aspects of the island. While the local sheriff investigates “whodunit” among the folks at Sinclair Plantation, a guardian spirit of the land weaves mystical ceremonial rituals.

“This mystery dinner theater promises to be a hauntingly fun evening of love, betrayal, murder and mystery with lots of surprises from an all-star Kaua‘i cast,” said Wynd, an accomplished director and playwright. She has extensive experience in screenwriting, acting and producing for stage and film.

Ghost of the Sinclair Plantation is the first production of the newly formed Tropicbird Entertainment, a community theater organization dedicated to creating exceptional and educational entertainment that is inspiring for people of all ages.

“At the end of the show, audience members will get to solve the mystery — and one lucky person will win an Ultimate Kaua‘i Adventure Helicopter Tour for two with Sunshine Helicopters,” Wynd said.

The audience will enjoy a delicious buffet dinner prepared by Executive Chef Charles Steppe, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and devotee of the farm-to-table concept. Chef Steppe has garnered acclaim across the country as a chef “worth tweeting about,” according to MarketWatch.com.

The show runs for one night only: Friday, Aug. 28, so get tickets early. Tickets are $75; and $65 for kama‘aina. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance and seating is limited.

Visit www.tropicbirdentertainment.com for tickets and more information.