Community Theater Opens 82nd Season With A Bang!

The games have begun at the Theatre of Western Springs. Currently on the Mainstage is Sleuth, a play written by Anthony Schaffer and directed by Kurt Naebig.

Now I like to think of myself as a detective of sorts. I love a good mystery and am a follower of more than one popular TV crime show. Always striving to be the first to uncover the "whodunit," I was more than excited to check out TWS's current production and put my investigative skills to the test. 

And this past weekend I must admit, I was stumped. The Theatre of Western Springs' production of Sleuth had me guessing right down to the end. I was that person who could be heard joining the collective "oohh!"  emanating from the audience when the secrets behind this theatrical display were finally revealed.  A spoiler I am not, but suffice it to say there are enough twists and turns in this play about a wealthy mystery writer gone bad to keep even Columbo on his toes. 

The Theatre of Western Springs has been around since 1929 and is the longest running community theater in the Chicago area. This season, TWS welcomes Kurt Naebig as their new artistic director, and he appears to be off with a bang. Literally. You won't just be following the witty dialogue while enjoying Sleuth, in fact, you might find yourself with a bit of a jump in your seat  as you take in some of the special effects, including a few gunshots and an on-stage explosion. 

Attention to detail is clearly a theme at TWS. Whether it is evident in the actors adaptation of a British dialect, the numerous props creating an authentic atmosphere, or the set itself. Gazing upon the stage as I took my seat, I was easily transported to a far off wealthy English estate I found myself longing to visit. Until of course the mayhem began. And the murder.

So I will leave you with the mystery.

Sleuth runs through September 19th.  For tickets and information contact TWS at www.theatrewesternsprings.com or 708-246-3380.