The Plot, Like Gravy, Thickens
by Billy St. John, Billy Wayne St. John

The Plot, Like Gravy, Thickens Book Cover
The Plot, Like Gravy, Thickens Cover

Highlights

120 mins Present Day Expandable Casting Interior Set Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes American Comedy

Synopsis

Great storm effects, spiffy costumes and lots of fun and mystery distinguish this work by the author of Abduction, The Reunion and others.

Ever want to commit a murder?

Walter, the playwright's alter ego in this madcap mystery, demonstrates just how to do someone in ― in your imagination, of course!

After introducing the audience to tyrannical millionaire Edward Worthington's relatives, business associates and household staff – most of whom have reason to wish the man dead – Walter exits, only to reappear in a tuxedo as Worthington.

Gathered on a stormy evening at Worthington Manor to celebrate Edward's 50th birthday are his attractive wife, her playboy brother, Edward's befuddled older sister, his ex-wife and his daughter, a college student.

Also present are his shady lawyer and his uptight business manager, with his giddy wife and sexy southern secretary, as well as the butler, the housekeeper, the maid and the cook.

Each has a motive that is barely established when the lights go out!

Seconds later, they come back on to reveal the knife for the birthday cake protruding from Edward's back.

In Act II, the police detective (also played by Walter) investigates, eventually allowing the audience to question or accuse suspects before the killer's identity is revealed in a surprising climax.

Press Reviews

"A murder mystery, comedy and family drama all mixed into one show... a recipe for success."

— Udit Janarthanan, Edmonton Journal

Characters

Character
WALTER

A playwright's alter-ego who plays the following two characters:

EDWARD WORTHINGTON III

A millionaire, tyrannical, 50

LT. JAMES McMILLAN

A police detective, 30s

ALLEGRA BLACKWELL WORTHINGTON

Edward's attractive wife, early 40s

TONY BLACKWELL (Edward's brother)

Edward's brother-in-law, a playboy, early 30s

JUSTINE WORTHINGTON (Edward's ex-wife)

Edward's ex-wife, bitter, late 40s

DEBRA WORTHINGTON (Justine's daughter)

Edward's and Justine's daughter, a student, 20s

BEATRICE WORTHINGTON

Edward's older sister, a spinster, 60s

ROY PHILLIPS

Edward's business manager, nervous, up-tight, 40s

CONNIE PHILLIPS (Roy's wife)

Roy's wife, giddy, 30s

PEGGY SUE BRUMLEY

Edward's secretary, a Southern belle, 20s

LAWRENCE TATE

Edward's lawyer, businesslike, 50s

HOLLISTER

The butler, formal, 60s

MRS. VICKERS

The housekeeper, outspoken, 40s

EDITH

The maid, pretty, innocent, 20s

INA

The cook, has a temper, 40s

Publication

Publisher Samuel French
Year 2024
Binding Paperback
Pages 86
Place New York
Language English
ISBN-13 9780573602566
ISBN-10 0573602565
LCCN 2006455217
LCC MLCS 2006/44897 (P)
DCC 812.54

The Plot, Like Gravy, Thickens is a American comedy play written by Billy St. John and published by Samuel French in New York (2024).

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3.9

15 ratings · 69 reviews

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Performance Rights

Available for Licensing
Amateur Only
Fee: Minimum Fee: $110 per performance

Restrictions: Major Markets Only (US) / Standard Restriction (UK)

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