Think you can outwit the ultimate mystery writers? Step into the world of Town Theatre’s murder-mystery comedy, Over My Dead Body by Michael Sutton and Anthony Fingleton. Set in London, the last surviving members of The Murder League ~ a once-prestigious society of classic detective novelists ~ find themselves overshadowed by a flashy new generation of crime writers. Determined not to fade into obscurity, the Old Guard hatches the ultimate plan: to prove their brilliance by plotting the perfect crime… a real murder. Witty, wicked, and delightfully twisted, this comedy is a love letter to the golden age of mysteries, complete with a killer punchline.
Leading the League is Bill DeWitt (Anything Goes, White Christmas) as Trevor Foyle, the elderly yet commanding mastermind whose razor-sharp wit and twinkle of cynicism make him a true gentleman of the old school. Joining him is Kathy Hartzog (Always Patsy Cline, Driving Miss Daisy) as Dora Winslow, whose refined elegance and steel-trap mind make her both charming and formidable. Adding comic flair is Clayton King (Catch Me If You Can, The Addams Family) as Bartie Cruikshank, the colorful, enthusiastic member who may nod off mid-conversation but always returns with wild energy, keeping the League’s plotting lively and unpredictable.
Rounding out the eccentric ensemble are Steve Reeves (The Red Velvet Cake War, Moon Over Buffalo) as Charters, the devoted butler with slow, deliberate purpose and dry humor; Wayne Wright (A Christmas Carol: The Musical, Spamalot) as Simon Vale, the flashy darling of modern crime fiction; and Town newcomer, Sam Chamberlain as Leo Sharp, the loud, irreverent American literary agent. Each character brings a unique spark to the mix, fueling both the clever schemes and the unexpected chaos that follows.
Meanwhile, the investigation is in the hands of Chris Kruzner (Hello, Dolly!, The Music Man) as Chief Inspector Smith, a starstruck detective whose bumbling enthusiasm makes him the perfect foil for the League, and Chavous Camp, also making his Town debut, as Sergeant Trask, the practical young officer determined to solve the case the “right way.” Together, this brilliant cast delivers a whirlwind of laughs, intrigue and clever misdirection, making Over My Dead Body a must-see for fans of mystery, comedy, and all things delightfully unpredictable at Town Theatre.
The show is directed by Allison McNeely with set design/technical direction by Jeremy Hansard and technical assistance from Julian Harley. Costumes are provided by Jillian Bigony, wigs by Jodie Harris, lights by Jeremy Hansard, stage management by Shannon Scruggs, props by Nathan Jackson and set dressing by Nancy White.
Over My Dead Body is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.
The show runs January 23 to February 1 with tickets available to Priority Members on Tuesday, January 6; to Regular Members starting Thursday, January 8 and to the Public beginning Tuesday, January 13
Our show is generously sponsored by:
