It Wasn't Murder? - A comedy mystery play by Kiernon James

It Wasn’t Murder?

A comedy mystery play
Kiernon James

6 F, 4 M (ages 20s-60s)

Two Acts | ~2 hours

A nosey neighbor pops in for a visit after assuming a policeman’s arrival is for a murder investigation. The family scoffs at her saying the wealthy aunt died of natural causes. But when questionable details emerge, a niece begins searching for the truth and quickly discovers what effect a little gossip has on an investigation.

This comical homage to Agatha Christie is filled with laughs and twists that will keep the audience guessing. And some returning for a repeat performance to see what they missed the first time around.

Read a Sample Buy a Script Apply for a License

CAST LIST

MARSHA TRUMAN – the sarcastic housekeeper
STANLEY TRUMAN – the easy going handyman
SGT. ANTHONY WEBER – the new police sergeant
LUCY GRANGER – the watchful nurse
KELLY REEVES – Mrs. Rothberg’s inquisitive niece
KATHLEEN RUSSELL – Mrs. Rothberg’s glamorous niece
DARREN RUSSELL – Kathleen’s jovial husband
MEREDITH KINGSLEY – the nosey neighbor
SYLVIA FULTON – the naive family friend
HANK SEAVERS – the estranged uncle

TIME PERIOD:
The 1940s in America

SETTING:
The sunroom of the Rothberg home looking out into the back garden.

THEMES:
Cozy Mystery | Whodunit | Comedy | Romance

PERFORMING GROUPS:
High Schools | College Theatre | Community Theatre | Professional

Media

Play preview — Video credit: M&D Media

Audience reactions — Video credit: M&D Media

Lucy describes what she saw the other night. Photo credit: BTE Media

Testimonials

“The concept brings to mind the 1954 Alfred Hitchcock classic, Rear Window…the play is well written, and the characters have depth.”

— Eden Prairie News (Twin Cities, Minnesota)

“A delightful adventure with interesting characters, plot twists and turns. Just when you thought you knew whodunit, you will be surprised!!”

— Peggy F.

“Hilarious and captivating. We had a great time trying to solve the mystery.”

— Stephen G.

“It Wasn’t Murder? is a brilliant twist & turns adventure for any mystery fan.”

— Greg L.

“A menagerie of compelling characters make this mystery a wild ride.”

— Kate W.

“I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out whodunit!”

— Soma D.

Performance History

DATES	VENUE	TYPE	LOCATION	ACTIONS
Jun 21-30, 2024	Plymouth Playhouse	Production	Plymouth, MN	Show Info
Oct 21 & 23, 2023	Merril Arts Center	Staged Reading	Woodbury, MN
Dec 17, 2022	Theatre in the Round	Staged Reading	Minneapolis, MN
Oct 2008	Bloomington Gallery Theatre	Production	Bloomington, MN
Feb 2006	Eden Prairie Players	Production	Eden Prairie, MN

About the Playwright

Kiernon James is a mystery playwright specializing in entertaining stories that keep audiences guessing until the very end. Having studied film and stage, he brings a unique blend to his writing where things happen in front of the audience – often without them noticing until after the fact. His passion is developing new works with a focus on telling the story both verbally and visually to entertain audiences of all ages.

Other Scripts

Finding J Mitchell

A Comedy Mystery

Can a private detective find a cunning burglar after her cover is blown?

Reviewed to Death

A Comedy Mystery Dinner

What happens when murder and mayhem are invited to a gala dinner?

Connect

Subscribe to receive quarterly updates about new scripts being developed or upcoming productions in your area.

Please email us at questions@kiernonjames.com