Murder mystery musical, nature programs, charity sewing event

Welcome to The Herald-News’ Will County Inside/Outside Guide. Each week, Features Editor Denise M. Baran-Unland (@Denise_Unland61) highlights a few ideas for you to enjoy your weekend (and beyond) in Will County.

Now that spring appears to be (finally) here, the Forest Preserve District of Will County is offering some outdoors “back to nature type” activities this weekend.

And then in the evening, settle back with your favorite snack and enjoy a murder mystery musical.

Here are the details.

Murder mystery spring musical

Joliet West High School will livestream “A Killer Party” at 7 p.m. April 15, April 16 and April 18.

Here is the synopsis from a news release from Joliet West: “When Varthur McArthur, the artistic director of a failing theater in Duluth, invites his troupe of disgruntled actors and collaborators to the first read of an “immersive murder mystery dinner party,” no one knew that he would be the victim. Or did they?

“Enter the eager, determined, and untested Detective Case. After sequestering the guests into separate rooms (because, you know, social-distancing), she gets down to finding out whodunnit, uncovering secret affairs, life-long grudges, backstage drama, and a lot of musical theater song and dance.

“Sifting through lies and red herrings and a truly baffling murder mystery script left by the deceased, Case vows to find the truth and secure her future as a great detective.

“A Killer Party” stars Rebecca Janovsky, Devin Thomas, Zinnia Manning, Adele Pelzer, Jenna Kimak, Savannah Groh, Micah Klima, Kaitlyn Ruddy, Josh Gualberto, Payton Fraser and David Randolph.

Participating chorus members include Hannah Black, Andrea Dodge, Emma Jolly, Joel Klima, Emma Motley, Jade Newby, Josie Newby, Karis Posteluk, Quinn Preis and Juliet Tonkovic.

Tickets are $10. Purchase at jtwestchoir.org and stream it on any device. The showing is not available on demand and is only live streamed at the scheduled event times.

Back to nature in Will County (and one Zoom program to keep nature out of your house)

Register for programs at ReconnectWithNature.org. Facemasks are required for in-person events.

Hiking With Your Hound – Signs of Spring: 10 to 11 a.m., April 17, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Channahon.

Participants will look, listen and identify signs of spring. All dogs must be on a leash no longer than 10 feet. All owners are responsible for picking up after their pets. One dog per person.

Register by April 16. Free, all ages. For more information, call 815-722-9470.

Wildflower Search and Study: 1 to 3 p.m., April 17, Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve, Monee Township.

A naturalist will be at the trailhead. Maps, flower guides, hand lenses and information will be provided. Trails might be muddy; dress with that in mind.

Registration is not required. Free, all ages. For more information, call 708-946-2216.

Living with Wildlife (Zoom Webinar): 2 p.m. Sunday, April 18, online

The Forest Preserve Distict of Will County said in a news release: “Many species of wildlife are welcome visitors to our yards and help us maintain our connection with nature. However, some animals may wear out their welcome, ending up in places that are not safe for them or for people and pets with whom they come into contact.

“Fortunately, taking a few simple steps can help prevent many of the most common wildlife-related problems around your home. A number of proven methods can be used to solve the problems when they cannot be prevented. In this program, learn how to coexist with wildlife.:

Registration is required. Free, ages 16 or older. For more information, call 815-886-1467.

Charity sewing event to help kids in need

Thimbles in Lockport, a Baby Lock retailer store, is sponsoring a charity sewing event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 20 And April 21 at 940 S. State St.

The event will benefit displaced children at Guardian Angel Community Services in Joliet.

Participants will create a drawstring bag with fun fabric and a free pattern while using Baby Lock sergers.

The store is also encouraging donations of toiletries, coloring books, crayons and stuffed animals to put in the bags to give to these children.

The $10 registration fee will be donated to Guardian Angel along with the filled bags.

To register, call 815-836-8735 or visit bit.ly/3thU3AM.

For more information on Baby Lock’s Difference Makers events, visit babylock.com/difference-makers.

For more information about Thimbles, visit thimblesquilts.com.

Thoughts? Drop me a line at dunland@shawmedia.com.