THUNDER BAY — From May 22 to 25 and May 29 to June 1, Cambrian Players will be hosting the two-hander murder mystery/marriage dramedy/revenge play, Sleuth.
Sleuth is a 1971 Tony “Best Play Award” winner, by Anthony Shaffer.
“A very wealthy mystery writer, who is a big fan of games, invites his young rival to his manor home for the weekend. He confronts him about the affair that he’s having with his wife,” said Stefani Celine, director of Sleuth.
“A game ensues for the prize, which would be the woman.”
"The script - written back in 1972 - had to be slightly adjusted because it was a different time back then, and we don’t necessarily agree with everything," she said
“Everything that is relevant to the character development and plot development has remained the same, but we’ve cut out some of the inappropriate jokes.”
They have had only six weeks to put the production together, Celine said.
Adding that the actors and crew have done an extremely good job.
“We’ve got a lot to show everyone. The fabulous acting by our two leads- they do an incredible job with the script,” Celine said.
“But also, our stage crew have been practicing nonstop and the set and props we have- I think it's really going to impress the audience.”
There are two leads, Andrea Jacobsen as Andrew Wyke -and Rob Paularinne as Milo Tindle.
The production also includes three special guests, Stanley Rushton, Robin Mayfield and Liam McNulty.
“One of the reasons I wanted to be involved is because it’s such an intriguing storyline and one that’s not often told nowadays. It has a very classical feel, but very modern at the same time,” Jacobsen said.
“What I really want people to take away is that not everything is as it seems at any given point within the play,” she said.
“They will probably be guessing until the very last moment as to how it’s going to end.”
Cambrian Players is offering a buy-one-get-one-free admission on Thursday May 23.
They are promoting pay-what-you-may and sensory-inclusive performances on Wednesday May 29.
For pay-what-you-may performances, there is no set ticket price, and all are welcome to pay whatever amount they feel comfortable contributing.
Cambrian Players partnered with Autism Ontario earlier this season. They saw a real want and need for sensory-inclusive spaces and performances.
The company is grateful to have guidance from Autism Ontario, and staff is looking forward to providing this as an option for Cambrian productions.
“You are going to be taken along for this ride, and you’re going to enjoy every second of it,” Jacobsen said.
Tickets are available for purchase at Eventbrite. There will also be seats available for purchase at the door.
