You and I are men of the world. You, of course, understand the complications that arise when your chauffeur is found dead in your home, and your chambermaid is sprawled unconscious on the floor next to the deceased. Now imagine she's nude and holding a pistol — let me know when you've stopped picturing that and I'll proceed. Now? Surely you must have the scene in mind by this time...all right, stop picturing it. But you apprehend the difficulties such a scene will create? You'd no doubt ask the police to send over their best magistrate; a compliant man who comprehends that the matter will best be solved quickly and quietly. No need for names in the paper, or details — just run in the most likely suspect and the case is closed. Now, what happens if the fool magistrate decides he wants to discover the true culprit instead of merely charging the expedient suspect? Correct: You'd have a mess. Throw in some farcical slapstick and that delightful maid, and you'll have a fine mess. Well, that's what occurs in Harry Kurnitz's comic romp A Shot in the Dark. A little murder, a little mayhem, a generous helping of double-entendres and a genuine mystery. The West End Players Guild present A Shot in the Dark at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday (March 20 through 29) at the Union Avenue Christian Church (733 North Union Avenue; 314-367-0025 or www.westendplayers.org). Tickets are $15 to $18.
Fridays-Sundays. Starts: March 20. Continues through March 29, 2009
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