

"The Butler Did It"
Tim Kelly
Written by the "master of the outrageous comedy mysteries," this is a much requested follow-up to the ever-popular The Butler Did It.
Publisher and socialite, indomitable Miss Maple rents a plantation house, complete with menacing alligator, in the frightening swap land of Louisiana.
She wants to introduce her latest literary discovery, Ruth Dice, who has written a first novel entitled Conversations with a Gh oul .
Ruth has only contempt for the guests.
Classic detective prototypes like tough Chandler Marlow, chic Manhattan couple Rick and Laura Carlyle, westerner Tony Tallchief.
She dismisses Louie Fan ("Telephone like corpse.
Both dead.") and gentle Father White ("Tea and biscuits, anyone?") as has-been hacks.
Naturally, she's the perfect candidate for murder.
However, it's the bizarre owner of the house of secrets, Jasper Van Dine, who's discovered in the parlor with a scalpel once belonging to Jack the Ripper in his back!
WHODUNNIT!?
It's up to the flakey detective writers to unravel the puzzle.
Chills, thrills, alibis, clues, motives, and dazzling plot twists fly about the stage like pies-in-the-face.
Nothing is what it seems to be and you'll need a scorecard to keep track of who's who and what's what.
Smoke and mirrors, fun and games - from start to finish.
Bring a seat belt!
"A crazy gumbo of off-the-wall dialogue and nutbrain action."
— Theatre Laurel Promoter
| Character |
|---|
| Chips family retainer. |
| Miss Maple book publisher and socialite who enjoys giving amusing parties. |
| Mrs. Danvers housekeeper. |
| Linda Hayes unexpected guest. |
| Chandler Marlowe mystery writer. |
| Rick Carlyle another. |
| Laura Carlyle another. Rick's wife. |
| Tony Tallchief another mystery writer. |
| Louie Fan another. |
| Father White another. |
| Ruth Dice another. |
| Jane Doe Miss Maple's social secretary. |
The Butler Did It, Again! is a American comedy play written by Tim J Kelly and published by Samuel French (1996).
No community reviews yet
Restrictions: Major Markets Only (US) / Standard Restriction (UK)
Apply for RightsPlays with similar themes, style, and content.
More plays from Tim J Kelly that we think you'll enjoy.