If you go
› What: “The Real Inspector Hound”› When: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14-16 and 21-23; 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23› Where: The Ringgold Depot, 155 Depot St., Ringgold, Ga.› Admission: $10, $8 for seniors and students› For more information: 706-935-3061
There's a hilarious mystery brewing in North Georgia as The Ringgold Playhouse prepares to open its seven-performance production of "The Real Inspector Hound."
The Playhouse is closing its 2017 season with the comedy, which opens tonight, Sept. 14, in the historic railroad depot in Ringgold, Ga.
"I can't wait for the audience to see these actors bring 'Inspector Hound' to life," says director Greg Rambin Sr.
"It is funny and thought-provoking. I almost wish I could ride home with audience members to hear the discussion afterward because the play is not simply a satire of murder mysteries. If you love 'The Mousetrap' by Agatha Christie or Sherlock Holmes stories, you will enjoy the ribbing that those get from Tom Stoppard. 'Hound' also pokes fun at theater critics and at humanity. I have watched the show many times and I still find something new to laugh at."
The production includes the play-within-a-play setup that begins with two theater critics preparing to watch a whodunnit. But by night's end, the two have become completely engrossed in the madness.
The play is set in Muldoon Manor, a charming, but isolated, English country house that is populated by tortured and suspicious characters. A game of bridge results in veiled threats; a mysterious man, possibly mad, shows up to charm the lady of the house; and a dead body under the sofa waits to be discovered.
All the while, a pair of pretentious critics comment on the action, munch chocolates, complain bitterly about their professional rivals and ogle the attractive actresses.
Rambin says the eight-person cast has put a lot of time and effort into crafting this entertaining play.
"It has been a fun experience from the very beginning," Rambin says. "I am always in awe of the creative process. Watching the cast come to rehearsal each night, seeing their characters develop, and then seeing the cast as a whole meld into a singular unit - it's really a joy to watch."
The cast includes TRP veterans Laurie Shaw, Joshua Chisholm, Chuck Nalley, Jennifer Bryant and Adam Cook, as well as three actors making their TRP debuts: Katie Olsen, Trevor Miles and Jim Eernisse.
Tickets are $10 and are available at Ringgold City Hall, by phone at 706-935-3061, or online at cityofringgoldga.gov.