Thank you!
Your support is sustaining the future of local news in our communities.

Mystery Thrillers Onstage in New Productions

Anyone who is a fan of the long-running “Midsomer Murders” television series understands that any English Country Murder Mystery can easily be translated into a Litchfield County/Tristate region murder mystery.  So many elements remain the same: Large estates (some with sheep), Wellington boots, Range Rovers, foxes screaming in the night, people riding horses.

So it makes sense that two small regional theaters are staging classic murder mysteries this summer.

The Sherman Players in Sherman, Conn., are performing an English Country Murder Mystery written by Anthony Shaffer called “Whodunnit” from now until May 21. The show opened on Broadway in 1982; its plot resembles that of the 1976 silly film “Murder by Death,” which starred almost every actor alive in that decade, plus the author Truman Capote.

Long story short: A large group of people with secrets they’d kill to protect are invited to an English country house, where the host reveals that he is preparing to blackmail each and every one of them.

Obviously, murder and hilarity ensue.

The large cast is made up of actors from Connecticut and New York.

Remaining performances are May 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee on May 15. Tickets are $24 for adults and $12 for students. Reservations can be made online at www.shermanplayers.org or by calling 860-354-3622.           

The play “Deathtrap” is set in Long Island and holds the record for the longest running comedy-thriller on Broadway. I know it best from the 1982 film that starred British actors Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve.

The action has been moved from The Island to Litchfield County in a new production by TheatreWorks New Milford.

The show opened May 6 and performances continue until Saturday, May 28. Show times are 8 p.m. with a matinee on Sunday, May 22.  Tickets are $25 for reserved seating. Students and military personnel and veterans with ID will be admitted for $20.

Reservations can be made online at www.theatreworks.us or by calling 860-350-6863.

Latest News

Anita L. Gochey

Anita L. Gochey

CANAAN — Anita L. (King) Gochey, 85, of 77 South Canaan Rd. died June 5, 2026, at Geer Village. She was the wife of the late Lester Gochey. Anita was born July 16, 1940,in Winsted, daughter of the late Ivan and Irene (Dulude) King.

Anita was well known throughout the Northwest Corner. She worked for many local businesses and organizations. Anita worked at the Rexall Drug Store, C.A. Lindell and Sons, Bob’s Clothing, Brooks Pharmacy, and the Housatonic Valley Regional High School in the cafeteria.She used her skills in calligraphy to complete the record books for the North Canaan Congregational Church.Anita’s daughter remembers her as being very creative with cardboard, and a loving mom.

Keep ReadingShow less

Susanne Cecilia Berberoglu

Susanne Cecilia Berberoglu

SHARON — Susanne Cecilia Berberoglu, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 14 surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on Fe 13, 1951, in New Milford, Susanne lived a life filled with warmth, adventure, compassion, and dedication to those she loved.

Keep ReadingShow less

Celebration of Life — Jim Dresser

Celebration of Life — Jim Dresser

A Celebration of Jim Dresser’s Life

Saturday, July 18, 12 – 3 p.m. At Hill Acre Camp on Mt. Riga, Salisbury, CT.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

Memorial Service — Rafael Porro

Memorial Service — Rafael Porro

SALISBURY — Rafael Porro passed away on January 6, 2026.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service in his honor on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Salisbury.

Keep ReadingShow less

Memorial Service — Walter E. DeMelle

Memorial Service — Walter E. DeMelle

LAKEVILLE — Friends are invited to participate in a memorial service for Walter E. DeMelle on Saturday, June 27 at 2:00 p.m. at The Hotchkiss School Chapel, Lakeville, Connecticut.

Full obituary at: https://lakevillejournal.com/walter-earle-demelle-jr

Nicholas Gandolfo Jr.

Nicholas Gandolfo Jr.

CANAAN- — Nicholas Gandolfo Jr., 94 of East Canaan passed on June 4,2026, after a courageous battle with kidney cancer and CLL Leukemia.

Nicholas was born and raised in East Canaan to Nicholas Gandolfo Sr. and Marie Zucco Gandolfo both Italian immigrants, a heritage Nicholas embraced with pride.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.