Joshua Drew and Paul Neace star as rivals Milo Tindle and Andrew Wykes in the Kanawha Players production of "Sleuth."
Popular mystery writer Andrew Wyke lives in a world of plot twists and intricate strategies. In discovering his wife's lover, Milo, Wyke devises a devious plan to humiliate him. But even the best-laid plans can go astray when the police arrive, and a new game begins a game where rules don't apply and the stakes are life or death.
Q: What made you decide you wanted to direct "Sleuth?"
A: "What caught my attention is the play sets itself up as a gag that's played on the audience as much as a gag that the characters play on each other. I like things like that. I like things that jump out at me."
Q: It's your first time directing, but do you have other background in theater?
A:"I've done a few films. I was in 'The Men Who Built America" for the History Channel. I was an extra in 'Child of God,' which is going to be released later this year. I've done a few commercials.
'My first play was 30 years ago. I was in a production of 'Miracle on 34th Street.' More recently, I did 'Evil Dead: The Musical,' 'Our Lady of 121st Street' and 'A Doll's House.' I've been around a lot. I've done a lot of set building for Kanawha Players."
Q:Was it difficult to cast the show?
A:"The main thing is I focused a lot on the two leads. I needed someone who was older for the part of Andrew and someone younger for the part of Milo Tindle. That was really my only requisite when it came to casting. I pretty much went off what I saw in auditions."
Q: What would you say was the biggest challenge in doing this production?
A:"The special effects, actually. We had to make a face that blows up at one point. That was a challenge, plus work out a couple of gunshots and things that shatter."
Q: Is everything ready for opening night?
A:"Yes, my guys are very ready."
Reach Bill Lynch at ly...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-5195.
WANT TO GO?
"Sleuth"
Presented by Kanawha Players
WHERE: Kanawha Players Theater, 309 Beauregard St.
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Feb. 22-23, 2 p.m. Sunday
TICKETS: Adults $16, students and children 17 and under $10
INFO: 304-343-7529 or www.kanawhaplayers.org
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Popular mystery writer Andrew Wyke lives in a world of plot twists and intricate strategies. In discovering his wife's lover, Milo, Wyke devises a devious plan to humiliate him. But even the best-laid plans can go astray when the police arrive, and a new game begins a game where rules don't apply and the stakes are life or death.
Friday night, the Kanawha Players present an evening of winding plot twists and surprises with its production of Anthony Shaffer's "Sleuth."
The gazz spoke with first-time director Shayne Workman about taking on the Tony Award-winning thriller.
Q: What made you decide you wanted to direct "Sleuth?"
A: "What caught my attention is the play sets itself up as a gag that's played on the audience as much as a gag that the characters play on each other. I like things like that. I like things that jump out at me."
Q: It's your first time directing, but do you have other background in theater?
A:"I've done a few films. I was in 'The Men Who Built America" for the History Channel. I was an extra in 'Child of God,' which is going to be released later this year. I've done a few commercials.
'My first play was 30 years ago. I was in a production of 'Miracle on 34th Street.' More recently, I did 'Evil Dead: The Musical,' 'Our Lady of 121st Street' and 'A Doll's House.' I've been around a lot. I've done a lot of set building for Kanawha Players."
Q:Was it difficult to cast the show?
A:"The main thing is I focused a lot on the two leads. I needed someone who was older for the part of Andrew and someone younger for the part of Milo Tindle. That was really my only requisite when it came to casting. I pretty much went off what I saw in auditions."
Q: What would you say was the biggest challenge in doing this production?
A:"The special effects, actually. We had to make a face that blows up at one point. That was a challenge, plus work out a couple of gunshots and things that shatter."
Q: Is everything ready for opening night?
A:"Yes, my guys are very ready."
Reach Bill Lynch at ly...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-5195.
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