- What: "Night Watch" by Scene One Theatre.
- When: Feb. 27-28, March 1 and 6-8, 7:30 p.m.
- Where: 121 E. High St. in Jefferson City
- Tickets: $10, with opening night half price; 573-635-6713 or [email protected]
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Scene One Theatre is presenting a mystery thriller for the first time in its history.
"Night Watch" was written in the 1970s by Lucille Fletcher, who also wrote a short story that became the movie "Sorry Wrong Number" with Barbara Stanwyck.
The play revolves around Elaine, played by Megan Sappington, who sees a body from her window. However, when she investigates she cannot find anyone. The police, played by Ben Yarnell and Jim Rhodes, are called and can't find any evidence of a body either. When Elaine sees another body, the mystery and menace deepen.
The characters/cast include: Elaine's husband, John (Terry Schoonover); Sam the deli man (Grant Lenhardt, who doubles as lighting technician); Helga the German maid (Shellie Howser); Elaine's best friend (Tiffany Girdner); Dr. Lake the psychiatrist (Sherry Hoskins); and the downstairs neighbor (Brad Jones).
"The action is up and down and fast and the mystery builds as the play progresses," director Jack Renner said.
Renner said that he suggested the play to executive director Mark Wegman in a conversation they were having about shows the theater had produced. Renner loves mysteries and was excited about directing the first mystery produced by Scene One.
During the play, various characters become suspect, and there are red herrings everywhere. The audience hopefully will get caught up in "who done it" as well as with the characters.
Barbara Schmutzler is serving as production manager, and the set was designed by Mark Wittenberger.
"I have always enjoyed directing mysteries and this show is fun with all of the twists and turns. Hopefully, audiences will enjoy seeing the play as much as I have enjoyed directing," Renner said.