One of my favorite diversions on cruise ships is murder mystery night. Probably because it combines two of my favorite things -- live entertainment and good food.
The concept of murder mystery dinners is very simple. A group if actors puts on an Agatha Christie-like playlet. Between acts, the guests are served dinner. When I lived in Oregon, I served on both sides of the proscenium arch.
On the Voyager, the dinner was served in Portofino -- the Italian specialty restaurant that serves $100 meals for a $20 cover charge. It may be the only excellent food on the entire ship. Other than the appetizers I make in my room from Boar’s Head pepperoni and Tillamook extra sharp cheddar cheese.
We had a four-course dinner. Starting with a rather ordinary caesar salad. Followed by an antipasti plate with soppressata, bresaola, proscuitto, fresh mozzarella, marinated artichokes, Italian green and black olives, grilled zucchini, and arugula. Then by an extremely tender beef filet with raddicchio, broccolini, and baby carrots. Topped off with an original tiramisu.
The concept of murder mystery dinners is very simple. A group if actors puts on an Agatha Christie-like playlet. Between acts, the guests are served dinner. When I lived in Oregon, I served on both sides of the proscenium arch.
On the Voyager, the dinner was served in Portofino -- the Italian specialty restaurant that serves $100 meals for a $20 cover charge. It may be the only excellent food on the entire ship. Other than the appetizers I make in my room from Boar’s Head pepperoni and Tillamook extra sharp cheddar cheese.
We had a four-course dinner. Starting with a rather ordinary caesar salad. Followed by an antipasti plate with soppressata, bresaola, proscuitto, fresh mozzarella, marinated artichokes, Italian green and black olives, grilled zucchini, and arugula. Then by an extremely tender beef filet with raddicchio, broccolini, and baby carrots. Topped off with an original tiramisu.
The play was exactly what it should be for a venue like this. Cheesy with one-dimensional characters. And flexible enough that any of the suspects could be the killer.
A selection of the singers and dancers on board fill out the cast in a manner that only young people can. The sight lines in the room are difficult and the restaurant does not have an adequate sound system to amplify their voices.
But they acted their parts valiantly, humorously, and with all their campy hearts.
The combination was enough to tempt me to book for a second performance on the Barcelona to Dubai leg.
A selection of the singers and dancers on board fill out the cast in a manner that only young people can. The sight lines in the room are difficult and the restaurant does not have an adequate sound system to amplify their voices.
But they acted their parts valiantly, humorously, and with all their campy hearts.
The combination was enough to tempt me to book for a second performance on the Barcelona to Dubai leg.
Which side of the "proscenium arch" did you prefer--differently served surely.
ReplyDeleteIt appears you are easily entertained...........
ReplyDeleteFor me, life could not be constrained by any stage.
ReplyDeleteBut you already know that.
ReplyDeleteyou have way to much fun for one guy.
ReplyDeleteyou have way to much fun for one guy
ReplyDelete$100 meals? Where have you been living for the past several years, Steve? That sounds like a $20 USD meal in Mexico. OK, maybe $30 USD, but that's pushing it.
ReplyDeleteI can think of at least three first class Italian restaurants in Portland where $100 would be getting off easy.
ReplyDeleteWould you feel better if I divided myself into two fun guys?
ReplyDeleteWould you feel better if I divided myself into two fun guys?
ReplyDeletePortofino, good Italian food--might have to punch another hole in that belt.
ReplyDeleteI have been sticking to the dining room -- and picking at my food. Even with that, I may need that extra hole in the belt.
ReplyDelete