WEST BRATTLEBORO-Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center (BEEC), 1221 Bonnyvale Rd., will once again transform its woods into a world of torchlight, shadows, and story. Forest of Mystery: The Fractured Mind of Franklin Kind runs in Brattleboro from Thursday, Oct. 23, through Saturday, Oct. 25, offering an immersive outdoor theater experience.
Each fall, the Forest of Mystery turns BEEC's forests and fields into a realm of fantasy, with mystical scenes unfolding along torch-lit trails. This year's story enters the whimsical mind of Franklin Kind, a frightened young boy, as travelers enter his imagination and piece together a mystery, scene by scene. The journey culminates at the summit of Heifer Hill, where performers and a fire (conditions permitting) welcome travelers into the light of discovery.
Traveling in small groups every 15 minutes - Thursday from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 6:15 to 8:30 p.m. - audiences embark on a one-hour journey through BEEC's meadows and woods. Guests can also enjoy the warmth of hot cider, baked goods, and other seasonal treats as the community gathers together under the autumn night sky.
Regional theater artist James Gelter returns for his 11th year directing and writing Forest of Mystery. Gelter brings extensive experience to the production, having worked with Vermont Theatre Company, NEYT, Main Street Arts, and Sandglass Theatre.
As BEEC's largest community event and annual fundraiser, Forest of Mystery draws more than 500 attendees each year, supporting vital programs the center provides in environmental education, youth engagement, outdoor recreation, and wildlife rehabilitation.
Tickets are expected to sell quickly. For more information and to reserve your showtime, visit the Forest of Mystery page at beec.org.
This Special section item was submitted to The Commons.