"Wicked Wednesdays" at Heritage Village

A nighttime walking tour at the Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village are proving to be popular.

The Purple Theatre Company has been presenting “Wicked Wednesdays” at Heritage Village, with tales of haunted and chilling stories of what is reported to have happened told along the way.

Amherstburg native Rebecca S. Mickle wrote the script for the Haunted Heritage Tour and is one of the actors that perform vignettes along the way. She is also a board member with the Purple Theatre Company.

“This is more than a ghost tour - it’s a living history experience,” said Mickle.

“We’ve worked closely with the museum to ensure the history is accurate, but we’re also tapping into the incredible talent of our local actors to make the stories unforgettable.”

Mickle believed it was a nice mix of showcasing history with a theatre twist to it. Most of the shows thus far have sold out, with roughly 40 people welcome at each of the performances.

The tour weaves together documented history and firsthand accounts of paranormal activity that Mickle has collected while working on her book entitled “Ghost Stories and Legends of Windsor-Essex.”

Mickle’s book is funded by the Ontario Arts Council.

Those on the tour carry small lanterns with actor Mary Grace Wier, playing “Esmerelda,” also carrying a lantern through grounds and leading people to the various stops along the way.

“It truly is a team effort,” said Mickle.

“Wicked Wednesdays” continue tonight (Oct. 22) and Oct. 29 at 8:30 p.m. and the theatre company added a 10 p.m. show Oct. 29 due to the show’s popularity.

“People are loving it,” she said. “I think people are drawn to things they can’t explain.”

There are also two tech crew members assisting, with the rest of the cast and crew consisting of Heath Camlis, Brandon Hooker, Shayla Hudson, and Camryn Kingsley.

Mickle added the company is planning to work with the Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village on “The Ghosts of Christmas Past” later this year. It would be a similar theme and also be under the “Wicked Wednesdays” banner.

The Christmas event is planned for Dec. 3, 10 and 17.

Tickets for the Haunted Halloween Tours are $20 for adults and $10 for 12 and under. Check www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/wickedwednesdays for availability.

By Ron Giofu