LePetit hunts for a murderer

Did you ever wonder what would happen if famous television detective Columbo met the Pink Panther?

As interesting a question as that may be, Tri-parish natives will be able to see the answer on stage this month from Nov. 10-21 when Le Petit Theater Presents: Peter Gordon’s classic play, “Murdered to Death.”

And according to the play’s director, Greg Whitney, those with a few hours to spare will be in for a treat if they spend the night watching the satire that serves as a spoof of the best of the Agatha Christie traditions.

“It’s got some funny lines in it, and all of the people who are in it are doing a fantastic job,” Whitney said. “We’ve only got one performer who is really kind of a rookie, so all of the rest of the cast has been on the stage quite a bit. But it’s a fast moving play and those who come out will definitely get to laugh a lot.”

The plot of the play chronicles the attempts (or rather struggles) of the bungling Inspector Pratt, as he tries to solve the murders going on inside of a country manor house during the 1930s.

The role of the Inspector in this version of the play will be played by Joel Waldron, and Whitney said he gives a fantastic touch to the role.

“That’s where the Pink Panther meets Columbo comes in,” Whitney said with a laugh. “That’s pretty much the best description I could give after all of the time that I’ve been with this play. That’s pretty much the story of the entire play.”

Tickets for the play can be purchased for $12, and evening shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinees running at 2 p.m.

“Come see it, and get there early,” Whitney said. “You won’t be disappointed.”