“The Shadow Over Boyd County”

Ashland, KY – The question is simple: who killed Elias Blackwood?
Aspire! Conservatory of Fine & Performing Arts, Inc. will present “The Shadow Over Boyd
County,” an interactive Appalachian themed murder mystery dinner theatre experience on
Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 7:00p.m. at The Highlands Museum.
A murder has occurred. A decades-old secret has resurfaced. Strange sightings have
been reported. And somewhere among the guests are people who know more than they are
willing to admit! But the answer won’t be found by simply sitting back and watching the actors.
Throughout the evening, guests will investigate the evidence and examine mysterious photographs
and documents, discover hidden clues, question the suspects, explore the legend of the Shadow
and other Appalachian cryptids, piece together a decades-old mystery, and vote for the person they
believe committed the murder. While the murder may have a logical explanation, one question may
remain unanswered: is the Shadow really just a legend?
Dinner will be catered by Whitney Cornwell of Whit’s Eats. Our Appalachian menu will
include your choice of smoked chicken quarters or brown sugar country ham with Coal Camp
baked beans, mountain mashed taters, Mothman mac & cheese, Shadows sweet corn, country
cut coleslaw and Appalachian cornbread. Dessert will be Granny’s apple crisp or Blackwood’s
banana pudding, and the beverage bar will include iced tea and lemonade with a variety of fruit
and flavor infusions.
The most interesting and rare part of this entire evening is that the main characters will be
portrayed by very talented youth actors from Aspire! Conservatory who were chosen to be inaugural
members of Aspire! Conservatory’s Improv Team. The Improv Team is under the direction of Kenny
Riffe and Staci Slaughter. Although not 100% verified, it is highly likely that this is the first time youth
actors have led a major murder mystery dinner theatre experience in our local area.
The evening will also feature a silent auction of donated items, gift certificates, travel
experiences and other offerings from local businesses and community supporters. Proceeds from
the event will help Aspire! Conservatory to continue its mission of providing high-quality fine arts
education and experiences, and inspiring talent across the Tri-State.
Aspire! Conservatory is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Local businesses interested in
supporting Aspire! Conservatory through event sponsorship or silent auction donations are
encouraged to contact the Aspire! Conservatory office.
Seating for this event is limited. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite.com, or by
contacting the Aspire! Conservatory office at 740-534-2656 or AspireConservatory@gmail.com.
EAT WELL. ASK QUESTIONS. TRUST NO ONE.
Media Contact
DeNeil Hartley, Executive Director, Aspire! Conservatory of Fine & Performing Arts, Inc.