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Go ahead! Pick out the killer. If you get it right, set up your own detective agency.
As for me: I was a bit off-key.
At the Little Theatre of Alexandria, there are so many murders and so little time, it's an unusual production, Design for Murder, from the happy-go-lucky shows LTA usually throws, but well worth your time and money.
We need some edge every so often, right? This one will keep you guessing.
Who dunnit? (Or, them?) Let’s play "Clue" in this play by George Batson (c. 1916-1971).
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The show has fantastic costumes as always (by Judy Whelihan), and an elegant, sophisticated set (by Julie Fischer), the home of a wealthy Hudson River Valley family who have paintings on the walls to match their residence. (Shelby Baker, property designer.)
The rich are different from you and me and they were different back in the 1930s of this Design when manners mattered. Besides, it's always fun to peer in and grasp a bit of the haute affluent.
The stars are Celia Granger (Kathy Ohlhaber) and her son, David (James Lorenzin), their mansion suddenly swamped with murders in the first degree, following David's engagement party.He does love his fiancée, doesn't he? Then, what's he doing making moves on the housemaid?
And another housemaid? This is love? Ahem.
Lorenzin's performance strengthens from scene to scene as he gains more self confidence in dialogue with his overbearing mother whose superb acting commands the spotlight.
Two older ladies, Martha (Erin Gallalee) and family friend Louisa (Janice Zucker) both always dressed to the nines, provide infrequent and much desired comic relief to match those of Mrs. Hamilton (Patricia Spencer Smith), the family cook, of nearly the same age who teeters, totters, and bends with the best of them in short step shuffles.
The arrogant chauffeur, Moreno (Denny Martinez-Barrera) seems to have a hold on most of them and you wonder what his story is. Where did he get that attitude? For a chauffeur?
Blackmail, anyone? Too obvious, right?
I couldn't help but wonder if it were his character or Director Jessie Roberts just letting him go and show off his sauntering self. Whatever, Moreno is a saucy servant, a mystery, and a likely perpetrator, but what are the goods?
Jon Roberts is the sound man and projectionist, busy during the show with vehicles hitting the gravel driveway. (A gravel driveway for a mansion? It happens.)
All the characters are suspect, and all the world's a stage!
Go for it.
Also in the cast: Elizabeth Loyal, Brendan Chaney, Pete Leggett, and Frank Cooper
Other crew members: Hilary Adams, assistant producer; Kirstin Apker and Deborah Remmers, set decoration; Brittany Huffman, stage manager; Jim Hutzler and Jeff Nesmeyer, master carpenters; Stefan Sittig, fight choreography.
And, Cleo Potter and Jay Stein, lighting and (Stein) master electrician; Lanae Sterrett, hair and makeup; Carol Strachan, producer; Robin Worthington, wardrobe; Russell M. Wyland, rigging; Dierdre (De) Nicholson-Lamb, set painting.
When: Now through Nov. 5, 2022, Wednesday - Saturday nights, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m.
Where: Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Tickets: $21, weekdays; $24, weekends
Covid policy: LTA has returned to full seating and no proof of vaccinations are necessary, however, masks are required in the theatre. No exceptions.
Language: All "G" rated.
Duration: Two hours with one 15 minute intermission
Public transportation: Check the Metro and Dash bus websites. Dash is free to ride and has routes which are close to LTA.
Parking: On the streets and in many garages nearby with free parking during performances at Capital One Bank at Wilkes and Washington streets.patricialesli@gmail.com
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