While the Lights Were Out
Set in The Wickenhams' elegant home in Politeal Beach, Bermuda. A Thunderstorm! The lights go out! An agonized voice! A pistol shot! The lights come up! A blonde in black lace stands over the dead man holding a bloody dagger! The detective examines the body and announces "He's been strangled! This is but the opening of one of the most astounding and hilarious murder mysteries ever staged. Every clue is a lulu and the plot twists furiously. The final solution involves the most bizarre motive ever conceived! The delightful evening of mayhem gallops madly about the stage and will leave your audience breathless with surprise and laughter. The mystery is topnotch, the character marvelous and the comedy explosive!
Cast Requirments
- AUTHOR: Jack Sharkey
- STYLE: Farce
- CASTING: 5 Men, 9 Women
Characters
LADY MONICA WICKENHAM, a glamourous peeress
LORD CLIVE WICKENHAM, her spouse, an eminent neurosureon
BIBI CAVENDISH, a celebrated fashion designer
PIERRE POURRI, an international playboy
JASMINE PERDOO, a houseguest from Alabama
MIMOSA, the Wickenhams' Jamaican maid
NANCY STAFFORD, the Wickenhams' housekeeper
TOM GROGGINS, an unexpected visitor
Roderick Remley, the Wickenhams' butler
FREDONIA CUSTARDINE, Monica's sister
CHLOE CUSTARDINE, Fredonia's nubile daughter
ALGERNON WICKENHAM, the Wickenhams' diletante son
BENJAMIN BRADDOCK, an Inspector of Police
ALMA THREEDLE, Ben's assistant, a police serdeant
MYSTERIOUS BLONDE, an amnesiac and prime suspect
Time & Place
The action of the play takes place in the parlor of the Wickenham home. Present time period in the middle of May.
ACT 1: 3:00 p.m. on a sunny Thursday afternoon.
ACT 2: Immediately following.
ACT 3: Just after dinner that same night.