SLEUTH Comes to at MCCC's Kelsey Theatre 10/6 - 15

Excitement and suspense await as the award-winning Maurer Productions OnStage (MPO) presents Anthony Shaffer's "Sleuth" at Mercer County Community College's (MCCC's) Kelsey Theatre Fridays, October 6 and 13 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, October 7 and 14 at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, October 8 and 15 at 2 p.m.

Kelsey Theatre is located on MCCCs West Windsor Campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on October 6.

With all the ingredients of a top-notch thriller, "Sleuth" keeps the audience guessing as the plot twists and turns. The action centers around two characters, Andrew Wyke, a successful crime writer who lives in a grand country manor, and his wife's lover, Milo. Andrew likes playing dangerous games, especially when they involve his wife's ambitious, young paramour, but it turns out that Milo is a highly worthy opponent. Fueled by jealousy and generational conflict, the plot also works as an elaborate parody of the Agatha Christie genre of country house thriller.

"Sleuth" was a hit on Broadway, earning the 1971 Tony Award for Best Play. It was adapted into film three times - in 1972, 2007 and 2014.

The cast features George Hartpence of New Hope, Pa., as Andrew Wyke; Dan Keyser of Bridgewater as Milo Tindle; Phillip Farrar of Morristown as Inspector Doppler; Harold K. Newman of Mahwah as Detective Sergeant Tarrant; and Roger Purnell of Wayne as Police Constable Higgs.

The show is directed by Diana Gilman Maurer, co-founder of MPO with her husband, John M. Maurer. The Maurers are the show's co-producers. Other members of the production team include Master Carpenter Jeff Cantor, Lighting Designer M. Kitty Getlik, and Sound Designer Judi Parrish. Costumes are by Anthony Remer and the stage manager is Stacy Maurer.

Maurer notes that Sleuth offers complex character studies that deliver until the very end. "Another neat thing about this production is that Mr. Hartpence played Milo Tindal 13 years ago, so now he's come full circle," she said.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $14 students and children. Tickets may be purchased online at www.KelseyTheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking next to the theater. For a complete listing of adult and children's events, visit the Kelsey website or call the box office for a brochure.

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