Village Theatre breaks out its magnifying glass with a change of pace from the usual musical fare with the Tony award winning "Sleuth" by Anthony Shaffer. And what can I tell you about this production? Well, not a lot so as not to give it away. But I can say that it's a viciously fun game from beginning to end.
For those that are not familiar with the story, let's see what I can divulge without giving away any of the plot twists. Well, there's this mystery writer who ... no ... I can't tell you that. OK, so there's a new neighbor who ... no ... can't tell you that either. Hmmm, we seem to be at a bit of a quandary here. I can't really tell you anything so as not to ruin the surprises. OK, well, here's what Village says on their own web site. This should be safe enough. "Wealthy mystery novelist Andrew Wyke invites Milo Tindle to his elegant, isolated country house to settle a bit of unpleasant business. What begins as a bizarre game of cat and mouse spirals into a complex duel of wits and deception." There, that pretty much sums it up.
Now with any good mystery, the key is to keep the audience guessing right up to the very end. The playwright and director need to stay a few steps ahead at all times in order to pull the rug out at the last minute. Well, this play ran on Broadway for three years in the 70's so it's got something going for it. It definitely managed to keep me engaged if not always fooled. But I must admit they got me a few times. But is it dated by now? Big murder mysteries used to be the staple of every theater but not so much anymore. Have these types of plays grown too tiresome for the more savvy audiences of today? If the show is done well, like this one, then I say "no". Especially when they're in the hands of a Tony award winning director like Martin Charnin. He keeps the pace clipping along just fast enough to let the audience think they know what's happening only to be planning a "rug pull" three pages later.
Plus Charnin has managed to pull together a wonderful ensemble cast. Again, I cannot say too much but I can say this. David Pichette as Andrew Wyke is stunning. His lightning fast patter and unwavering confidence is perfect for the role. MJ Sieber as Milo Tindle is great. His everyman caught in a bad situation makes him not only sympathetic and likeable but he ... nope ... can't tell you that either. And Oliver Joel as Inspector Doppler lends the perfect bit of comic relief while never going over the top. And let's not discount ensemble members Morrison Dayner and Randy Richard Guss. Too often the smaller players are overlooked in a show but these two manage to shine as they ... damn ... can't tell you that.
OK, what I can tell you is that with a gorgeous set from Scenic Designer Martin Christoffel, "Sleuth" manages a truly fun and yes, funny night. I must admit when I first saw this on Village's season schedule I thought, "Really? Why?" But kudos to Charnin and the cast and crew for proving that there's still a place for well done mysteries even in these cynical times. Especially when they ... nope ... can't say that either.
"Sleuth" performs at Village Theatre's Issaquah location through February 27th and then moves to their Everett location running March 4th through the 27th. For tickets or information contact the Issaquah box office at 425-392-2202 or the Everett box office at 425-257-8600 or visit them online at www.villagetheatre.org.
Photo Credit: Jay Koh
