The Picketwire Players are thrilled to announce a new adventure—one that blends history, mystery, and theatrical magic! We bring you the Hunt for the Missing Diamond, an Anastasia The Musical-themed scavenger hunt, kicking off Monday, June 30, at 5:30 pm!

A Free Three-Week Adventure Awaits

Prepare to embark on a 100% free, three-week scavenger hunt that will take you around La Junta as you search for Anastasia’s lost diamond.

Each Monday, beginning June 30, a new clue will be revealed, leading participants on an immersive journey through history and legend. To begin your quest, simply pick up your first clue at the Picketwire Center or on the Picketwire Players website at 5:30 pm Monday.

In addition to bragging rights, the victorious team will receive four complimentary tickets to any Picketwire Players production, including Anastasia The Musical, running July 17-20, 2025.

— To skip ahead to the clues: —
| Clues |

The Story Behind the Hunt

Russia, 1918. The Revolution is underway. The Duma has forced Tsar Nicholas II to abdicate the throne. St. Petersburg—now Leningrad—has descended into turmoil, famine, and civil war. The Royal Family has disappeared after being taken into custody by the Provisional Government. The opulent palace now stands empty, its grand halls and ornate chambers abandoned. The future of the Romanov dynasty seems lost.

But whispers of hope persist. Rumors swirl that Anastasia, the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra, may have survived. The key to finding her? A diamond, sewn into her coat, rumored to have shielded her from the gunfire that claimed her family. If the diamond exists, it could hold the truth of Anastasia’s fate.

Your mission: Follow the clues, uncover the lost diamond, and bring Princess Anastasia back into history!

How to Play

  • Start at the Picketwire Center: Arrive at the Picketwire Center at 5:30 pm on June 30 to receive your first clue (in the box outside the theatre). Also available on the Picketwire Players website.
  • Solve the weekly puzzles: Each clue will lead you to locations around La Junta.
  • Return each week: New clues will be released over three Mondays (June 30, July 7, July 14).
  • Find the missing diamond: The first to uncover the final clue and retrieve the lost diamond on Wednesday, July 16, wins the grand prize!

Don’t Miss Out!

This is a fun experience combining history, mystery, and adventure. Whether you’re a history buff, a theatre lover, or just someone who enjoys a great challenge, this hunt promises three weeks of excitement and discovery.

Mark your calendars for Monday, June 30 at 5:30 pm, and get ready to step into history. Will you be the one to find the missing diamond? Join the adventure and find out!

Rules

Cast and crew of Anastasia the Musical, Picketwire Board Members, or any immediate family members of, are not eligible to receive the grand prize. Questions? Contact us.

Week 1Week 2Week 3Finale
PreviousNext

Hunt for the Missing Diamond: Week 1

Part A

[ppwp passwords=123-9871987198273 on=”2025/06/30 17:29:00″]
Welcome to Week 1 of The Hunt for the Missing Diamond! Inspired by Anastasia The Musical, this three-week scavenger hunt will take you on an adventure around La Junta as you search for Anastasia’s lost diamond. Your journey begins with the Emerald Cipher—crack the code to unlock the next challenge! Pick up your handout at the Picketwire Theatre (the box outside) or download a printer-friendly PDF copy here.

Let the hunt begin!

Emerald Cipher[/ppwp]

Part B

Once you have the solution to Part A, input it below.
Hint: The password is eight characters long, and any letters should be entered in the lowercase.

[ppwp passwords=flaherty]

Congratulations on finding the solution to the first part of the Week 1 Hunt for the Missing Diamond challenge! Here is the next clue in the Emerald Challenge.

Seek a place where stories live,
Books, magazines, movies–their glories to give,
A vintage checkout card reveals your sign.
Bold letters hide clues within—
Crack the question for your next win.
Through the window, clearly shown,
Solve this puzzle—make it known.

Hint: The password is 12 characters long, and all letters are lowercase with no spaces between words. You are unaffected by retail hours in this challenge segment.

[/ppwp]

Part C

Once you have the solution Part B, input it below.

[ppwp passwords=yurovskynote]

Congratulations on finding the solution to the second part of the Week 1 Hunt for the Missing Diamond challenge! Here’s your final clue in the Emerald Challenge.

In a beautiful spot with grass and trees,
Where flowers bloom and “buzz” go the bees.
In one corner stands a lady,
A sign at her feet, protected and shady
“We the People…” the sign will say,
Applying a book cipher will show the way.

18 72 52 4 82 10 141 23 167 19 28 129 147 64 10 153 31 55

Hint: The password is six characters long with all lowercase letters.
(updated 7/1/25 @ 5:55pm)

[/ppwp]

Part D

Once you have the solution to Part C, input it below.

[ppwp passwords=alexei]

Congratulations on completing the Week 1 Emerald Challenge of the Hunt for the Missing Diamond, an Anastasia The Musical-themed scavenger hunt! 

Be sure to save this segment of the final password. You will need it to claim the grand prize at the end of this adventure on Wednesday, July 16.

Password segment:

Bi

[/ppwp]

Hunt for the Missing Diamond: Week 2

Part A

[ppwp passwords=123-9871987198273 on=”2025/07/07 17:29:00″]
Welcome back to The Hunt for the Missing Diamond! Inspired by Anastasia The Musical, this three-week scavenger hunt will take you on an adventure around La Junta for Anastasia’s lost diamond. Week 2 begins with the Ruby Cipher—crack the code to unlock the next challenge! Pick up your handout at the Picketwire Center (strongly recommended this week) after 5:30 pm or download a printer-friendly PDF copy here.

Let the hunt begin!

Hint: The password is a five-digit number.

Pro Tip: Utilizing a hard copy of the Ruby Cipher, along with a pencil (or even colored pencils) and a straight edge, will make this puzzle easier to solve.

[/ppwp]

Part B

Once you have the solution to Part A, input it below.

[ppwp passwords=68947]

Congratulations on finding the solution to the first part of the Week 2 Hunt for the Missing Diamond challenge! Here is the next clue in the Ruby Challenge.

On a state-named street, where refreshing, fruity drinks are found,
Seek the music box inside, and you’ll be success-bound
Use Ottendorf’s cipher so secrets unfold.
Solve the puzzle, and the next clue you’ll hold!

1-3-1
3-4-4
2-1-1
4-4-2
1-2-4
3-5-5
1-2-1
4-2-1
2-4-8
3-3-4

Hint: The password is 10 characters long. Any letters are lowercase with no spaces between words.
Tip: Check for retail hours for this challenge segment.

BONUS: If you have purchased tickets for the upcoming Anastasia-related event in this establishment, ask the staff for an extra hint to help you solve this puzzle!

[/ppwp]

Part C

Once you have the solution Part B, input it below.

[ppwp passwords=petersburg]

Congratulations on finding the solution to the second part of the Week 2 Hunt for the Missing Diamond challenge! Here’s the next clue for completing the Ruby Challenge.

Beneath open, endless skies,
A giant green rectangle lies.
A place for games,
where wins are the aim.
In a window, your clue awaits,
A coded path to unlock the gates.
Find the sign and read the rhyme,
And you’ll find Anastasia’s secret in no time.

Hint: The password is six characters long with all lowercase letters. You are unaffected by retail hours for this challenge segment.

[/ppwp]

Part D

Once you have the solution to Part C, input it below.

[ppwp passwords=carbon]

Congratulations on completing the Week 2 Ruby Challenge of the Hunt for the Missing Diamond, an Anastasia The Musical-themed scavenger hunt! 

Be sure to save this segment of the final password. You will need it to claim the grand prize at the end of this adventure on Wednesday, July 16th.

Password segment:

8s

If you haven’t completed the previous week’s challenges, there’s still time. Check the Week 1 tab.

[/ppwp]

Hunt for the Missing Diamond: Week 2

Part A

[ppwp passwords=123-9871987198273 on=”2025/07/14 17:29:00″]

Welcome back to The Hunt for the Missing Diamond! Inspired by Anastasia The Musical, this three-week scavenger hunt will take you on an adventure around La Junta for Anastasia’s lost diamond. Our final week begins with the Amethyst Cipher—crack the code to unlock the next challenge! Pick up your handout at the Picketwire Theatre (strongly recommended this week) after 5:30 pm or download a printer-friendly PDF copy here. 

Let the hunt continue!

 

Hint: The password is three characters long, and any letters should be entered in the lowercase.

[/ppwp]

Part B

Once you have the solution to Part A, input it below.

[ppwp passwords=map]

Congratulations on finding the solution to the first part of the Week 3 Hunt for the Missing Diamond challenge! Here is the next clue in the Amethyst Challenge.

On the street whose name translates “Saint John”

Is where your next clue can be found,

Along with hammers, nails, screws, and a lathe.

The best family-owned business around–

The founding year a sign outside saith.

Hint: The password is 4 characters long. Any letters are lowercase with no spaces between words.

You are unaffected by retail hours for this challenge segment.

[/ppwp]

Part C

Once you have the solution Part B, input it below.

[ppwp passwords=1907]

Congratulations on finding the solution to the second part of the Week 3 Hunt for the Missing Diamond challenge! Here’s the next clue for completing the Amethyst Challenge.

Visit the home of arts, antiques, and rare books,
Through a roadside window sits a display that your attention hooks
Books are stacked, their words convey
Read their spines—first title letters betray
A hidden name to continue your way.


Hint: The password is four characters long, and all in lowercase letters. Try reading top to bottom.

You are unaffected by retail hours for this challenge segment.

[/ppwp]

Part D

Once you have the solution to Part C, input it below.

[ppwp passwords=gleb]

Congratulations on completing the Week 3 Amethyst Challenge of the Hunt for the Missing Diamond, an Anastasia The Musical-themed scavenger hunt!

Password segment:

82

If you haven’t completed the previous week’s challenges, there’s still time. Check the Week 1 tab.

[/ppwp]

[ppwp passwords=123-9871987198273 on=”2025/07/16 17:29:00″]

It is the final day of The Hunt for the Missing Diamond! Inspired by Anastasia The Musical, this three-week scavenger hunt will take you on an adventure around La Junta as you search for Anastasia’s lost diamond. You will be unable to complete the final challenge until you have finished all three weeks.

Final Challenge!

Hint: The password is six characters long. Any letters are lowercase. There are no spaces.

[/ppwp]

[ppwp passwords=8s82bi]

Congratulations, you have completed the entire Hunt for the Missing Diamond, an Anastasia the Musical-themed scavenger hunt. Now go claim your prize!

Here are your final Instructions.

  • Race to the Picketwire Center
  • Find the contact person inside the lobby
  • Use the following Call & Response.

Call: Dowager Empress says, “Once Upon A December.”
Response: Glad you made it, Anastasia.

[/ppwp]