Sleuth at Village Theatre

Now playing at Village Theater is the classic Tony Award-winning thriller SLEUTH, written by Anthony Shaffer. January 20-February 27, 2011 in downtown Issaquah at the Francis J. Gaudette Theatre, and March 4-27, 2011 in downtown Everett, at the Everett Performing Arts Center.

The script is not the only Tony-winning part of this show. Broadway legend, prestigious award-winner, and current Issaquah resident Martin Charnin (Shadowlands, 2007) returns to Village Theatre to direct SLEUTH. Charnin has worked in the theatre industry for over 40 years as a lyricist, composer, and director. His work has earned him Tonys, Grammys, Emmys, Drama Desk Awards, gold and platinum records, and the Peabody Award for broadcasting. Arguably his most famous work is the beloved Broadway hit Annie, which he created, wrote lyrics for, and directed. Annie is the 23rd longest running musical in Broadway history and subsequent to its opening in 1977, Charnin has directed 19 companies of the show with great success. He has been involved with Village Theatre on various levels over the years, from directing a Mainstage production and Village Originals Festival readings, to developing his own new musical through Village Theatre’s new works program.

The complex, fascinating roles in this production are played by David Pichette and M.J. Seiber. Pichette has most recently appeared as Polonius in Seattle Shakespeare’s Hamlet as well as in Candide at 5th Avenue Theatre—both performances received incredible audience and critical acclaim. He has an extensive professional resume and the public following to back him up as one of the Seattle greats. Seiber returns to Village Theatre after playing Paul Bratter in the 2007 production of Barefoot in the Park. Most recently he appeared in The Lieutenant of Inishmore (ACT), Glengarry Glen Ross (Seattle Rep), and Lyle the Crocodile (Seattle Children's Theatre). He is an artistic associate and founding member of New Century Theatre Company and appeared in 2008's The Adding Machine (Gregory Award for Production and Theatre).

David Pichette as quirky, elitist, murder mystery-novelist Andrew Wyke is possibly the best casting I have seen in Seattle. He delivers an entertaining, complex performance that demonstrates his range, honesty, and very impressive chops as an actor. No comedic moment is lost but neither does he gloss over the darker side of the character. Rather, he seems to thrill, as the character, to the most dangerous aspects of his personality. Pichette is a perfect match for this script.

M.J. Seiber as Milo Tindle delivers a solid performance, particularly in Act II. Act I feels weak for Seiber, who pales by comparison to the effervescent Pichette. However, it may be how he was directed to play the first half of the show, for when he returns, there is no sign of timidity, and he finally seems ready to take on Pichette's larger-than-life character.

Other richly amusing characters make an appearance in this classic twisty-turner thriller. The set is beautiful, although it does pose some significant staging difficulties for brief moments. As usual, Village has delivered an audience favorite directed to technical perfection, and the lively performances have the audience either smiling or gasping in every moment of the show. A must-see for any mystery enthusiast that loves to have no idea what is coming next.

Where: In Issaquah: Francis J. Gaudette Theatre

303 Front Street North

Issaquah, WA 98027

In Everett: Everett Performing Arts Center

2710 Wetmore Avenue

Everett, WA 98201

When: Issaquah Dates: January 19-February 27, 2011 – ON SALE NOW

Wednesdays through Saturdays: 8:00 PM

Saturdays and Sundays: 2:00 PM

Selected Tuesdays: 7:30 PM

Selected Sundays: 7:00 PM

Everett Dates: March 4-27, 2011– ON SALE: 1/26/11