By Ken Ludwig
Directed by Fred Sullivan, Jr.
Running Time: 2 hours with a 15-minute intermission.
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2023/24 Season Sponsors:
Paul Kastner
G. Lee & Diana Humphrey
Production Sponsors: Nina & Don Berk
Directon Sponsors: Sam & Gretchen Shubrooks
Scenic Design Sponsors: Andrew & Darina Chesterton
Summary
It’s a blustery December night in 1936 at the Connecticut mansion of actor William Gillette, whose life was recently threatened by a rogue gunshot while he was onstage performing his most celebrated role, Sherlock Holmes. A cavalcade of quirky friends arrive upon his request for a weekend of revelry all with the intent of finding out who pulled the trigger. But when one of Gillette’s glitzy and glamorous guests is stabbed to death, the survivors are trapped inside a fun house of hidden passageways and trick mirrors where any of them could be the killer. From the director that brought you The Play That Goes Wrong, slapstick and hilarity ensues amid the murder and mayhem that will keep you laughing and guessing until the moment the killer is revealed.
"The show plays at the Lyric Stage until December 17th and, to miss out on seeing this hysterical comedy, just might prove to be a "fatal" mistake (cue evil laughter)...okay, maybe not "fatal" but it would be really, really bad."-Kevin T. Baldwin, METRMag.com
"As presented here, it is a sublime romp, artfully constructed and executed by a nonpareil group of actors and designers."-Rich Fahey, On Boston Stages "Special kudos to veteran stage manager Nerys Powell for managing such a monster production. The glistening Gillette castle set by Lyric Stage veteran designer Janie Howland is cleverly transformed with dramatic lighting and sound effects.-Richard Campbell, Encore Performing Arts
"The holiday season at Lyric Stage sparkles with this production filled with big laughs, unexpected gasps, and all around festive fun."-Susan Mulford, Boston and Beyond "As in most farces, the set functions as another character in the play, and Janie E. Howland’s detailed and realistic living room of Gillette’s castle, with the requisite doors and stairway, as well as the revolving wall with bookcase/bar, is an eye-catching treat. She also has a wonderful partner in lighting designer John Malinowski, whose effects manage to be evocative, subtle, and dramatic.”-Terry Byrne, The Boston Globe
"Sublime Maureen Keiller, dominating the first act as Chase, riotously roasts those in attendance. Designer Chelsea Karl attires her in elegant red evening wear that matches her fiery verbal volleys."-Jules Becker, MySouthEnd.com