Fine Wine, Good Friends, and a Wicked Murder
Ivanna Katenka, renowned among her circles as an enigmatic figure with an exquisite palate for wine, is opening her home in the quaint town of Gladerock for a wine-tasting soirée. She has built a reputation for her discerning wine selections and for creating a warm and inviting ambiance where friends and fellow oenophiles can convene in leisure and camaraderie. However, it's worth noting that among the invitees are a few individuals known for their fiery tempers. Nevertheless, you've received your invitation and have decided to embrace the experience. This is where your story begins.
Guest List
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IVANNA KATENKA
Airport Security
Ivanna Katenka is the ultra-mysterious airport security clerk. Far from a femme fatale, she is feared by most and has an intense anger management problem. She is the somewhat tolerable neighbor of Gretchen Audigger.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Any uniform-like costume (i.e., a white shirt and black pants with a fake armband or badge.)
GRETCHEN AUDIGGER
Pampered Fiancé
Gretchen Audigger is a former barista from the local coffee shop in the tiny town of Gladerock. After meeting her wealthy fiancé two years ago, she’s become the town’s ultra-glamorous pampered princess. Her prior sugary sweet disposition has melted into a foul, ill-mannered spirit recently. Nonetheless, Gretchen is anything but boring.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Luxurious cocktail party attire.
INGA FEDEROV
Personal Trainer
Originally hailing from Eastern Europe, Inga Federov is the town of Gladerock’s personal trainer and serious fitness guru. If you need advice on exercise, diet or overall fitness…she’s your girl! Just don’t let her overly friendly and fake persona get to you, as she does have overall good intentions.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Any warm-up suit or athletic attire.
DR. INDY JONAS
Ancient History Professor
Dr. Indy Jonas is the arrogant, over-exaggerating Ancient History professor at Gladerock College. Dr. Jonas can win you over with a little Australian charm, but don’t be fooled; Dr. Jonas cares about one thing and one thing only…Dr. Jonas.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: An archeologist or adventurer costume.
MICHA ANGELO
Artist
The Italian heartbreaker, Micha Angelo, is a charismatic yet eccentric artist. Micha sometimes sings instead of speaks and quickly blames the song outburst on an inner artist.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Very trendy attire. A beret and sketch pad as optional props.
BILLIE BENJAMINS
Fundraising Consultant
This French Canadian, Billie Benjamins, recently moved to the tiny town of Gladerock. Nobody truly knows Billie’s intentions, but this consultant is supposedly a professional fundraiser from a big city. Some of the locals believe Billie's hiding something.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Conservative suit - click for W and click for M.
POINDEX BOINKERTON
Computer Programmer
Details, details, details! If you’re speaking to Poindex Boinkerton, you better prepare for many intricate fine points and facts! This is one over-explaining member of the Nerd Herd - a computer support team in Gladerock - that’s always ready to travel to your home to remedy your technological ailments!
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Wear nerdy attire—the nerdier, the better! Glasses with tape on the bridge, a protractor, and a calculator are optional props.
DORIE LAXX
Day Spa Owner
Originally hailing from the UK, Dorie Laxx traveled to America to implement her dream of owning a luxurious Day Spa. She’s a tad snooty and a bit of a one-upper, but this relaxation Queen really knows how to make her customers feel like royalty!
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Wear very casual attire, such as a terry robe and slippers or a terry warm-up suit and slippers.
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PAUL A. TISHON
Mayor of Gladerock
There are two sides to the seemingly shy and reserved Mayor Paul A. Tishon - and only one of them you would ever care to be on! If you have something to offer Paul, he’s the nicest and most accommodating man you’ll ever meet. However, if you cross him, his mean spirits will rise to the occasion to greet you.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Very conservative suit.
CARA MELATE
Owner of Gladerock Coffee Shop
The mayor seems to have everything under control in the tiny town of Gladerock, but everyone knows that Cara Melate runs the town! A tad neurotic and overbearing, this Barista Queen is the owner of the upscale coffee shop - the Gladerock Café. She doesn’t care to admit it, but she’s the estranged cousin of the pampered princess, Gretchen Audigger.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Semi-formal cocktail party attire. Any items (i.e., flyers, coupons, name tags, employment applications, etc.) with ‘Gladerock Café’ as optional props.
SARDO SHADESPEARE
Local Actor
Sardo Shakespeare is a brilliant actor on stage, but in person, he’s the timidest and most reserved person you’ll ever meet! His sultry Spanish accent is more than enough to win over the ladies, but the theater is Sardo’s true love. During social gatherings, Sardo can’t help but break out into random Shakespearean monologues!
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Wear any Shakespearean Costume. Study a few Shakespearean monologues (optional) for added fun!
WILSHI LYALOT
Criminal Defense Attorney
‘Liar, liar, pants on fire’ was certainly made up about Wilshi Lyalot, Esquire. If freedom is your desire, this is one obnoxious criminal defense attorney you’ll want on your side of the courtroom, even if you are guilty of murder! Wilshi makes ambulance chasers look like Peace Corps volunteers!
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Fashionable business attire. Fake business cards as optional props.
CHIEF C.R. BADGES
Chief of Police
You would never guess that such a meager, self-questioning man could climb his way into such a high-ranking position with the police force. Chief C.R. Badges is a kind-hearted gentleman who swore to serve and protect, but sometimes, he finds it difficult to do so with a self-esteem approaching absolute zero!
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Police uniform. Toy (fake) gun as a prop.
ISABELL IVORY
Housekeeper
Isabell Ivory is Gretchen Audigger's sarcastic housekeeper. She is a five-time widow who moved to Gladerock a few years ago and absolutely despises everyone. Maybe her low morale stems from the fact that she works for Gretchen?
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: French Maid Outfit (or other custodial-style attire).
AVY ARIES
Professor and Avid Bird Watcher
Avy Aries is the absent-minded colleague of Dr. Indy Jonas at Gladerock College. An ornithologist (bird scientist) by profession, he also has an intense hobby of bird-watching in his spare time. If you want to know anything about birds, he’s a world-renowned expert. Avy’s enormous government grants for his bird research make Dr. Indy Jonas look like a small-timer to their superiors at the college. Because of this, Indy and Avy are notorious rivals.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Bird-watching attire. Optional to have binoculars and fake birds as props.
JADE SILVERMAN
Owner of Gladerock Jewelry Store
If you looked up narcissism in the dictionary, Jade Silverman’s picture would be plastered by the description. Jade is a friendly yet self-loving neighborhood jeweler with a slight over-exaggeration problem.
COSTUME SUGGESTIONS: Business casual attire. Various pieces of costume jewelry as optional props.
Attending a wine tasting can be a delightful and enriching experience. Start with tasting lighter wines before moving to heavier ones to avoid overwhelming your palate. Take time to observe the wine's color, swirl gently to release aromas, and then sniff before tasting. Sipping water between tastings can cleanse your palate, ensuring you fully experience each wine's unique profile. It's also helpful to eat a light meal beforehand to balance the effects of alcohol. Engage with the host to learn more about each wine's origin and characteristics. Most importantly, spit out wine after tasting if you prefer; it's a common practice at tastings and ensures you can enjoy the variety without overindulging. Enjoy the experience, and remember, there are no wrong questions or impressions when it comes to wine!
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Wines can primarily be broken down into the following categories:
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Red Wines: Made from dark-colored grape varieties. Look for body types (light, medium, full), common flavors (berry, plum, tobacco), and recommended pairings (red meats, cheese). Popular types include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir.
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White Wines are made from green grapes or grapes with yellow and green skins. Note the sweetness level (dry, semi-sweet, sweet), acidity, and flavor notes (citrus, apple, pear). Common varieties include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling. Pair with seafood, poultry, or salads.
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Rosé Wines are pink in color and are made by allowing the grape skins to contact the wine for a short time. They're often light and fruity, perfect for warm days, and pair well with light dishes like salads and fish.
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Sparkling Wines include Champagne (from France), Prosecco (from Italy), and Cava (from Spain). They range from sweet to dry and are perfect for celebrations. Look for the bubbles' quality and persistence.
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Dessert Wines are sweeter wines, often served with or as dessert. Types include Port, Sherry, and Moscato. Look for the sweetness level and pairing suggestions.
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Fortified wines, like Port, Sherry, and Madeira, have spirits added. They can be dry or sweet and are typically served with or after dessert.
When selecting a wine, consider the occasion, your taste preference (sweet vs. dry, light vs. full-bodied), and food pairings. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations from a sommelier or wine seller.