A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

The Plot, Like Gravy, Thickens

Full-Length Play, Comedy  /  9w, 5m

Great storm effects, spiffy costumes and lots of fun and mystery distinguish this work by the author of Abduction, The Reunion and others. Ever want to commit a murder? Walter, the playwright's alter ego in this madcap mystery, demonstrates just how to do someone in — in your imagination, of course!

The Plot, Like Gravy, Thickens

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    9w, 5m
  • Duration
    Duration
    120 minutes (2 hours)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Mystery/Thriller
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Appropriate for all audiences

Details

Summary

Great storm effects, spiffy costumes and lots of fun and mystery distinguish this work by the author of Abduction, The Reunion and others. Ever want to commit a murder? Walter, the playwright's alter ego in this madcap mystery, demonstrates just how to do someone in — in your imagination, of course!

After introducing the audience to tyrannical millionaire Edward Worthington's relatives, business associates and household staff – most of whom have reason to wish the man dead – Walter exits, only to reappear in a tuxedo as Worthington. Gathered on a stormy evening at Worthington Manor to celebrate Edward's 50th birthday are his attractive wife, her playboy brother, Edward's befuddled older sister, his ex-wife and his daughter, a college student. Also present are his shady lawyer and his uptight business manager, with his giddy wife and sexy southern secretary, as well as the butler, the housekeeper, the maid and the cook. Each has a motive that is barely established when the lights go out! Seconds later, they come back on to reveal the knife for the birthday cake protruding from Edward's back.

In Act II, the police detective (also played by Walter) investigates, eventually allowing the audience to question or accuse suspects before the killer's identity is revealed in a surprising climax.

WALTER – A playwright's alter-ego who plays the following two characters:
  • EDWARD WORTHINGTON III – A millionaire, tyrannical, 50
  • LT. JAMES McMILLAN – A police detective, 30s

ALLEGRA BLACKWELL WORTHINGTON – Edward's attractive wife, early 40s
TONY BLACKWELL – Edward's brother-in-law, a playboy, early 30s
JUSTINE WORTHINGTON – Edward's ex-wife, bitter, late 40s
DEBRA WORTHINGTON – Edward's and Justine's daughter, a student, 20s
BEATRICE WORTHINGTON – Edward's older sister, a spinster, 60s
ROY PHILLIPS – Edward's business manager, nervous, up-tight, 40s
CONNIE PHILLIPS – Roy's wife, giddy, 30s
PEGGY SUE BRUMLEY – Edward's secretary, a Southern belle, 20s
LAWRENCE TATE – Edward's lawyer, businesslike, 50s
HOLLISTER – The butler, formal, 60s
MRS. VICKERS – The housekeeper, outspoken, 40s
EDITH – The maid, pretty, innocent, 20s
INA – The cook, has a temper, 40s

Up to 7 male roles are available.

  • Time Period Contemporary, Present Day
  • Setting The living room of Worthington Manor. A stormy September night. The present.
  • Features Contemporary Costumes / Street Clothes
  • Additional Features Audience Participation/Interactive
  • Duration 120 minutes (2 hours)

Media

“An immersive, hilarious, and drop-dead amazing show.” – Avery Newufeld, Edmonton Journal

“A murder mystery, comedy and family drama all mixed into one show... a recipe for success.” – Udit Janarthanan, Edmonton Journal

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: $110 per performance

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Authors

Billy Wayne St. John

Billy St. John fell in love with theatre when he made his stage debut at 14 in a community production of Medea. His involvement began with acting, then shifted to directing, and — eventually — playwright. The Clarksville, Tennessee native earned his Bachelor of Science degre ...
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