Jim Grant / Nevada AppealCast members Tom Tomashek and Sheila Steele rehearse a scene for “Murder on the Lust Boat”, which opens on Friday night at the Gold Dust West Casino Hotel.
Proscenium Players' “Murder on the Lust Boat,” the players' fourth annual interactive Murder Mystery Dinner, opens Friday at Gold Dust West.A spoof on “The Love Boat” television series, “the Lust Boat” is what you don't want on a cruise, said director, producer and emcee Carla Wilson.With Captain Ivah Dinghy (Geoff Moore) at the helm, it's a cruise bound for mayhem. The antics of social director Monique Lewdinsky (played by Johanna Hudson), who creates new lusty games such as Tickle-Me Twister and Mazola Wrestling, is the inspiration of the boat's nickname.In the ship's Cask and Cleavage Lounge, entertainers Winnie and Nyona Juggs (Heidi Hampton and Krystle Gordon) show more talent at gossip than entertainment.“The Lust Boat,” holds a shipload of dark secrets. Everyone harbors secrets but the biggest mystery is VIP guest Rico (played by Kevin Gallegos), who keeps everyone guessing and gossiping about who he really is.“There's a mystery man on the ship and all have reasons why they think he's there and why they're afraid of him,” Wilson said. “Rico is the man of mystery and nobody knows who he really is.”The plot thickens with subplots among the assortment of colorful characters among the passengers and crew, culminating in a brutal murder. All secrets are revealed and it's up to the audience to guess who did it. Prizes will be awarded.True to the tradition of Murder Mystery dinners, the audience is invited to participate in such cruise activities as dancing, hula, limbo and a conga line.“This one has more audience participation than usual,” Wilson said. However, those who don't want to participate are welcome to just watch, she added.The show is recommended for ages 13 and older.Cost for tickets is $38 which includes a buffet dinner. Ticket prices are $35 for students, seniors 60 and older, PPI, BAC, Gold Dust West and Wildhorse Theater members.A no-host bar is open throughout the show. Murder Mystery Dinners are 6 p.m. Jan. 18-19, Jan. 25-26, and Feb. 1-2.New this year is a Sunday champagne and mimosa brunch at 2 p.m. Jan. 27. The Carson City Senior Citizens Center benefits with $10 of each brunch ticket going to the center's meals program.Group seating is available for parties of six or more and individuals needing special access considerations, such as wheelchairs, can be accommodated.Reservations are required at least four days in advance at www.ShowTix4U.com or call 775-781-0664.The Gold Dust West also offers special room packages for those attending the show. For information or to make room reservations, call 775-885-9000 or 877-519-5567, dial 1 for reservations and ask for the Mystery Room Block.“The Gold Dust West has been so gracious to us (Proscenium Players),” said Wilson. The Murder Mystery Dinner has “become one of their recurring events. Gold Dust gets lots of requests for it.” If You GoWhat: “Murder on the Lust Boat” Murder Mystery DinnerWho: Proscenium PlayersWhen: Dinners - 6 p.m. Jan. 18-19, Jan. 25-26, Feb. 1-2; Brunch – 2 p.m. Jan. 27Where: Gold Dust West, 2171 E. William St.Cost: General admission $38 which includes a buffet dinner. $35 for students, seniors 60 and older, PPI, BAC, Gold Dust West and Wildhorse Theater members.Reservations Required: Go to www.ShowTix4Y.com Groups or special accommodations: Call 775-781-0664