Detective Story
Strawdog begins the new season with one of the largest productions in its fifteen year history: Sidney Kingsley’s classic cop drama, Detective Story, directed by Shade Murray, director of Strawdog’s 2001 production of Our Country’s Good.
Detective Story takes place over several hours of one hot August day in 1949 in the offices of the 21st precinct detective squad, New York City. A parade of cops, criminals, reporters and everyday citizens come through the gate, each with their own story and voice: a woman who suffers from paranoid delusions; a decorated World War II veteran who is arrested for stealing from his employer; the young woman who wants to help him; a back-alley abortionist and his high priced lawyer; two petty criminals caught in the middle of a robbery.
At the center of this flurry is Detective James McLeod a cynical cop who holds firm to only two things: his “principles” and the love of his wife, Mary. But as day turns into night in the 21st Precinct, McLeod’s relentless pursuit of justice forces him to confront truths that threaten everything that he believes in.
Jeff Awards
Production - Play; Ensemble; Director - Play, Shade Murray; Scenic Design, Ray Vicek
“… this well-crafted, highly engaging piece of entertainment is powerfully executed …Strawdog’s Detective Story is a triumph …”
— Windy City Times
Cast
Jennifer Avery
as Shoplifter
Michael Dailey*
as Callahan
Anita Deely
as Mrs. Bagatelle
Chris Hainsworth
as Dakis
Kyle Hamman*
as Lewis
Tom Hickey
as James McLeod
Shannon Hoag*
as Miss Hatch
Anderson Lawfer*
as Feeney Jr./Photographer
Loretta Rezos
as Mary McLeod
John Henry Roberts*
as Sims
Noah Simon
as Willy
Jamie Vann*
as Lt. Monaghan Mngyah
James Anthony Zoccoli
as Detective O'Brien
Creative Team
Sidney Kingsley
Author
Shade Murray
Director
Stephen F. Murray
Assistant Director
Sean T. Mallary
Light Design
Aly Renee Amidei*
Costume Design
Chris Hainsworth
Producer
Tim Zingelman
Producer
Chris Hainsworth
Fight Captain
* Strawdog Theatre ensemble member