SLEUTH Opens Possum Point Players' 2019 Season

Just as winter weather sets in, Possum Point Players adds to the chill with a production of the Tony Award winning mystery, "Sleuth." A classic tale of suspense, "Sleuth" is performed, Jan. 25, 26 and 27, and Feb. 1, 2 and 3. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $19 for students and seniors, and may be purchased at www.possumpointplayers.org or the ticketline, 856-4560

On Broadway, "Sleuth" won both the Tony and the Drama Critics Circle awards and held its popularity through film versions. Director Ed Guinan said the Possum Point Players' production of the intense drama will hold audience members' attention until the final curtain as they try to decide whodunnit, who is really whom and just who is left.

"Sleuth" is often described as the ultimate game of cat-and-mouse, if you can figure out who is the cat, and who, the mouse. Contrasting with the underlying current of evil residing there, the game of games is played out in a charming and cozy English country house. Owner of the cottage, celebrated mystery writer Andrew Wyke is all tweeds and propriety, at least on the outside. He is not only a master of whodunnits; he also excels at games of all sorts, the more intricate and twisted, the better.

In his picture book home, he surrounds himself with game pieces and ancient weapons, maybe replicas, maybe the real thing, just waiting to become part of the action. Feeling confident and at the top of his game, Wyke invites a younger gamer guest, Milo Tindle, to visit. Does he know Tindle might share more with him than the love of the game? The two plot out a murder mystery game of their own design, involving a staged robbery of an estranged wife who may even be an unfaithful wife. Robbery is outlined, revenge is devised and murders plotted as the two plan the ultimate whodunnit. The actual mystery is where does the game end and reality begin?

"Sleuth" is produced through special arrangement with Samuel French Publishing.