ISBN 978-0-573-69659-6
Judy Klass
Mystery Thriller
4m, 2f
Multiple Sets
Cell is a murder mystery - to about the same extent that Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex is a murder mystery. Lieutenant Rodriguez questions Dennis Kadman about his older brother Michael, who has OD’d on heroin in Dennis’ apartment. Dennis wants to know: who gave Michael the drugs? Michael was a cunning, manipulative addict. But he was placed in his brother’s care by the courts – and Dennis tried to keep him alive and drug-free. Through flashbacks, we see the fractious relationship between the brothers, and how they interacted with other “suspects,” including Edith, the Jamaican nurse who believed Michael should be allowed to choose to die; Julie, Dennis’ fiancée who hated what Michael was doing to Dennis and to their relationship; and Byron, Michael’s homeless friend with whom he had lived on the streets. Like Oedipus, while looking for the culprit, Dennis learns far too much about himself.
Nominated for the 2009 Edgar Award for Best Play
“These days, when far too many authors of mystery and suspense give us cardboard characters in contrived situations and avoid anything with a social conscience, Judy Klass’s Cell gives us believable dialogue about two brothers who are struggling with their own shortcomings and the social injustices that surround them–characters who live and breathe, needle and provoke, and who truly get under your skin.” –Kenneth Wishnia, Judge, Best Play 2009 Edgar Allan Poe Awards, Edgar-nominated author of The Fifth Servant
“Cell by Judy Klass is so much more than a taut mystery play. It is both reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s whodunits and Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s use of magical realism to capture characters, time, and place. Ms. Klass tells us at the play’s beginning that her main character, Michael, has been murdered. Her taut and spellbinding play keeps its audience at the edge of their seats, guessing, waiting for the explosive ending.” –Woodie King Jr., Producing Director, New Federal Theatre “Cell is the best new play I have presented since the Mystery Festival began. It is also very ‘produceable’ with great leading roles, small cast and a simple set – a producer’s dream!” –Zev Buffman, President and CEO of RiverPark Center, creator of the International Mystery Writers’ Festival
FEE: $75 per performance. Performance licensing rights may be restricted in your area, please inquire for specific details and licensing availability. Character Descriptions:
DENNIS – A trim, nicely dressed white man in his late thirties/early forties. Dennis is reasonable and pleasant, but he tries a little too hard.
RODRIGUEZ – A Latino police detective, thirties or forties, with a laid-back manner who nevertheless watches a suspect, such as Dennis, carefully, and invites him to talk himself into a corner.
MICHAEL – Dennis’ older brother, in his late forties/early fifties. He is overweight, and both of his legs have been amputated because of his diabetes. His back hurts; he is in constant pain. A sardonic, brilliant, unfixably broken person. At times he is amused, at times bored; he is always tired, angry and bitter. (Please note: the actor playing this role need not be an amputee, amputation can be 'implied' by the designer.)
EDITH – A nurse who has known many patients and families in their private hells for several decades. A strong, kind, black Jamaican woman in her forties or fifties.
JULIE – A few years younger than Dennis, from a background similar to his, protective of him, wary of Michael.
BYRON – A black man around Michael’s age. Like Michael, he is angry and bitter, and equally annoyed by pampered people like Dennis.
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