Next Up at Playcrafters: ‘The Gazebo’ by Alec Coppel

“It’s not your typical murder mystery,” said veteran actor and director, Tom McGuire, of Playcrafters’ latest production, “The Gazebo,” is a warm, suspense-filled comedy by prolific playwright and novelist, Alec Coppel. The stage play later became a film starring Glenn Ford and Debbie Reynolds in 1959.

In the 1950s upscale suburbs of Roslyn on Long Island, TV mystery writer Elliott Nash (played by Steven Zanine) and his soap opera actress wife Nell (played by Courtney Boches) are in trouble. It seems someone has blackmailed Nell. Her past history as a teenager is being exploited.

Upset, and not knowing what to do, Nash takes matters into his own hands and later solicits the advice of a neighbor, Harlow Edison (played by Andrew Maksymowych), who is also the town’s D.A. Always seeking to invent the perfect crime for his dayto-day job, Nash now has personal reasons at stake for wanting the D.A.’s help. However, there’s a method to his madness when he acquiesces to the blackmailer’s demands, and all is not what it seems to be. At the same time, Nell announces that she’s bought a gazebo and wants it installed on the property. She hires Mr. Thorp (played by Mark Glicksman) to do the work.

Being blackmailed brings out the worst in people, and soon Nash is faced with a whole lot of trouble. Not the least of which is keeping Matilda, the housekeeper (Courtney Katz) and Mrs. Chandler, the realtor (Julie Dressler Grey), from asking too many questions. When dead bodies start turning up, soon the police and everyone are pointing fingers. Officer Drucker (played by Tom McGuire) arrives along with Detective Jenkins (played by Patrick Gallagher) to sort out the facts of the case which is a puzzle to everyone.

“It’s a melodrama, but we’re trying to punch the comedy,” said McGuire. “It’s a funny play and it’s been a lot of fun bringing out the comedy with my actors… a nice collaborative experience.”

The part of Dook is played by Brian Campbell; Louie is played by Geoff Randall and Dr. Wyner is played by Joe Welsh. The show is produced by Courtney Katz.

“There’s a good number of twists and turns. The audience will be surprised at the ending,” he added.

Is it a who-dun-it? Or just a bad dream of life imitating art? The show is suspenseful, humorous, and fun for everyone!

If you go:

Playcrafters presents “The Gazebo” at the Barn, 2011 Store Road at Skippack Pike, Skippack

May 31, June 1, 2, 8, 9, 14-16 at 8 p.m., and June 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $17 www.playcrafters.org or call 610-584-4005