'An Old-Fashioned Family Murder' – A Whodunit at George Street Playhouse

By Karen Nowosad
originally published: 10/23/2025

Many theater goers enjoy going to see a "whodunit." This genre of theater includes mystery stories involving some sort of crime being committed. There are elements of suspense and fun as it challenges the audience to figure out who is responsible. If you are in the mood to solve an onstage theatrical crime, go to George Street Playhouse and see An Old-Fashioned Family Murder.

Written by Tony Award winner Joe DiPietro, this production is the playwright’s 8th collaboration with George Street Playhouse. In the Letter from the Artistic Producers in the program it says: "it’s a joy to welcome him here once again. His trademark wit, warmth, and clever storytelling are on full display in this hilarious whodunit that celebrates the fun of a great mystery and the thrill of live theatre."

The play is clever storytelling filled with dialog and events that will get you laughing. It has all the elements that a good whodunit needs to entertain audiences. And for this presentation at GSP, you will have the pleasure of seeing a first rate cast as they seek to either keep their crime hidden or seek to find the guilty person.

The Story Features a Variety of Characters

Under the direction of Larry Raben, the setting for the play is spring, 1943 in the grand room of a grand mansion somewhere is the rainy northwest. Special effects such as an intense thunder and lighting storm taking place add to the feel of a mystery. A well stocked bar in the room features bourbon. Colonel Claythorne owns the home and lives there with his two daughters: Dotty Claythorne (Caitlin Kinnunen) and Clarice Claythorne (Allison Scagliotti).

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A party/get together takes place with guest of honor mystery playwright Arthur Whittington (Tony Carlin). Whittington is a very successful author and he looks forward to doing some work on his next novel at the Claythorne home. Little do they know how sloppy he is while writing.

An Old Fashioned Family Murder GSP – Photo Credit T. Charles Erickson

That aside, he announces that the Colonel has just changed his will which originally stated that in the event of his death, his estate was to be divided equally between the two daughters. Whittington holds a sealed envelope and suddenly the murder of the Colonel is announced. Now, the contents of the envelope become very important. But even more important is that everyone in the house is suddenly a suspect. In addition to Whittington and the two duaghters, the suspects include:Jasper Jamison (Michael Even Williams) and Mrs. Shirley Peck (Sally Struthers).

An Old Fashioned Family Murder GSP – Photo Credit T. Charles Erickson

 

Enter the Police and Another Piece of Intriguing News

By a strange twist of fate, Detective Paul Peck (James Taylor Odom) arrives to investigate. Coincidentally, he is the son of guest Mrs. Shirley Peck. His father and Mrs. Peck’s husband was also a detective. Deceased now, Detective Peck Sr. was known for his stunning skills solving crimes.

This fabulously talented cast all have reason to be suspects. But Sally Struthers as Mrs. Shirley Peck steals the show. She plays a mother who is trying to demonstrate what a brilliant detective her son is. She does not miss one opportunity to point out how wonderful he is, just like his father was. However, the real reason for her husband’s superb career suddenly leaks out. You might say is it intriguing news but also a bit of mystery solved as well.

Eventually, the killer is identified. There is no way you are going to get any more information about who it is from this review. After all, a good mystery is waiting to be solved when you go to see this show. You will be glad you did.

Tickets and Other Information

An Old-Fashioned Family Murder runs now through November 2, 2025. Tickets and more information are available at the George Street Playhouse website.

Run time is approximately 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission.

Special Performances Include:

* Open Caption (English) – October 25th at 2PM

* Audio Description – October 25th at 2PM

* Symposium – October 26th at 2PM

About the author:

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Let's Go to the Theater helps people learn more about about live theater and develop appreciation for this art form. Karen M. Nowosad is the founder of the site. The enjoyment Karen gets from going to the theater is something she wants to share with others.

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