‘From Dark Pages’ returns to the Seiberling
Howard County Historical Society’s creepy mystery tour takes place Oct. 21-22
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Sherlock Holmes is on the hunt for Jack the Ripper. With the help of a few brave souls, he’ll encounter Frankenstein’s monster, Count Dracula, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and other characters from Victorian literature. The journey is not for the faint of heart.
The Howard County Historical Society presents its annual “From Dark Pages” museum tour and mystery on Oct. 21-22, and this year promises to be creepier than ever. According to director Aubrey Drake, the show includes a who’s who of classic horror literature and plenty of eerie activity.
“’From Dark Pages’ takes place in the late 1800s,” said Drake. “You start out by meeting H.G. Wells, and you learn about his time machine. You meet Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and he introduces you to his creation, Sherlock Holmes. They’re on the hunt for Jack the Ripper.
“You’ll meet Queen Victoria and her physician, Dr. Gull, who seems a bit sketchy. But then again, so do most of the characters and creations of the authors. So, you’ll be asking yourself, ‘Who is it? Who is Jack the Ripper?’”
The show is in its sixth year of the production, and many of the actors are recurring from previous years. “From Dark Pages” should be a polished and top-flight experience. But there will be some new twists and turns that previous attendees won’t expect. As the newly christened director, Drake is showing some ambition by expanding the show.
“We’re going to do the entire show this year, which we have never done,” said Drake. “We had picked and chosen scenes in years past, but this year we’re doing all of it, including one scene we’ve never done before because it is weird.
“It is very weird, but it is in this year. It is based on James Henry’s ‘The Turn of the Screw,’ and it will be in the children’s room, which most of the cast will tell you is the creepiest room in the mansion. I’ve always wanted to have this scene. I want it to be creepier than it has been in the past. This is a show taking place near Halloween. I want to present it in that style.”
With the creep factor turned up, “From Dark Pages” promises to be more frightening than ever; so much so that Drake felt compelled to deliver a warning.
“We do recommend parental guidance,” said Drake. “The show will be a little rougher than it has been in the past. There will be startling sound effects and screams and an eerie feel to the show. The actors will interact with the audience. There will be some scares. I wanted that creep factor.
“I told the actors to identify people in the crowd they think can handle it, and just really get in there and interact. If you’re someone who thinks they can handle it, we’ll probably have a ‘tell’ for you, like a pin or something, so the actors know.”
“From Dark Pages” is performed four times each evening, and touring groups are limited to just 20 people per group. Each show lasts approximately one hour, with tour times at 6:30 p.m., 7:40 p.m., 8:50 p.m., and 10 p.m. Those with a particular time in mind for their visit should plan accordingly and purchase tickets early.
The cost is $30 per ticket, which includes the tour, refreshments, and a s’mores kit. Entertainment will be provided outside of the mansion for those waiting for their tour to commence. There will be fire pits and straw bales in the parking lot where participants can roast s’mores and watch classic horror movies.
“From Dark Pages” is sponsored by The Coterie, Crystal Wand Creations, Scott’s Home Healthcare, Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, and Kingdom Cards and Games, with additional support from the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, Farlow’s Orchard, Thistle Rock Farm, and Rice’s Tree Service.
Tickets are available now by visiting www.HCHistory.org or by calling the museum office at 765-452-4314. This show takes place on the grounds of the Howard County Historical Society, 1200 W. Sycamore St., and is recommended for visitors ages 13 and up.