David Pichette (Andrew Wyke). Photo by Jay Koh. Property of Village Theatre.

“Sleuth,” the Tony Award-Winning play by Anthony Shaffer, opened at the Village Theatre in Issaquah last week.  I was invited to attend opening night of the show, and I have to admit I was a little nervous at what I would see since I had only seen musicals at the Village Theatre.  Each year they produce two new musicals, two classic musicals, and one play.  I am happy to say that that this show exceeded every one of my expectations, and you should be sure not to miss it.

Because the play is a mystery with the audience being drawn into the games-playing of the actors, I cannot reveal much of the plot.  The play focuses on Andrew Wyke, a wealthy mystery novelist, and his guest, Milo Tindle.  Wyke invites Tindle to his estate, engages in a duel of wits, the stakes escalate, and theatergoers are taken through the twists and turns as the plot thickens right up until the very end.  “Sleuth” has been made into two movies, each of which stars Michael Caine (first as Tindle in 1972, and then as Wyke in 2007).

With such a small cast and no song and dance numbers to carry the audience along, “Sleuth” relies solely on the quality of the dialogue and the ability of the actors and director.  “Sleuth” opened on Broadway in 1970, and there’s a good reason it ran for over 1,000 performances.  Shaffer’s language is witty and crisp without being pompous or intimidating, and the play is a timeless classic. Veteran Seattle actor David Pichette gives a magnificent performance as Andrew Wyke.  He literally acts the part right down to his fingertips.  His gestures perfectly capture Wyke’s obsessive character, and he owns the role.  MJ Sieber is delightful as Milo Tindle, and it was a treat to watch Pichette and Sieber spar as Wyke and Tindle.  Martin Charnin, best known for being the creator and lyricist behind “Annie,” gives brilliant direction and has added a rich layer of physical mayhem (running around, strewing clothes, breaking furniture) on top of Shaffer’s verbal genius.

This production of “Sleuth” is stellar from top to bottom.  Whether you love good theater, like it just a little bit, or maybe are just curious and want to try a theater show for the first time, I highly recommend this production of “Sleuth.”  It is clever yet accessible and should be fun for everyone.

“Sleuth” will run at the Village Theatre in Issaquah, Washington through February 27, 2011, before moving to Everett, Washington, where it will run from March 4 through March 27, 2011.

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