Rehearsals are underway, and the tension is already building.
The past two weeks, the cast has been getting the show up on it’s feet, while getting themselves up on their feet. They’ve been working on blocking, which is the theatrical term for mapping out where the actors are moving on stage, when they’re moving, and what they’re doing.
With the blocking under wraps, this week the cast has started to dig into the character development. Looking at the words more closely, figuring out what makes them tick. Watching the actors explore power, charm, and manipulation has been electric.
Stay tuned—this ensemble is crafting something special.
What makes Prescription: Murder such a gripping night at the theater?
Before Lt. Columbo ever appeared on television, he first came to life on the stage in this sharp, psychological thriller. The play blends elegant mid‑century style with a tense cat‑and‑mouse game between a brilliant psychiatrist and the detective who refuses to be underestimated.
If you love mystery, wit, and slow‑burn suspense, this is the show to watch this spring.
Performance Location: Liberace Auditorium at the West Milwaukee Intermediate School 51st & Greenfield Ave. West Allis
Parking can be found in the school parking lot off of 51st Street, or anywhere along any of the streets surrounding the school
Ticket Information Tickets can be purchased ahead of time by visiting our online ticket site here. *Note, this will open in a new tab.
Tickets can also be purchased at the door. Adult: $20.00 Seniors: $18.00 Children (12 and under): $14.00
The Cast List (in order of appearance):
Character Name
Actor Name
Miss Petrie
Andie Miller
Dr. Roy Flemming
Scott Fudali
Claire Flemming
Angie Rodenkirch
Susan Hudson
Sophia Bernhardt
Lt. Columbo
Zach Sharrock
Dave Gordon / Delivery Man
Monte Driscoll
The Production Team:
Production Team
Team Member
Director
Pat Breed Kaiser
Assistant Director
Bill Kaiser
Production Coordinator
Mary Beth Topf
Stage Manager
Bill Kaiser
Set Designer
Scott Fudali
Set Construction
Scott Fudali & Cast/Crew
Lighting Designer
Pat Breed Kaiser
Sound Designer
Scott Fudali
Costume Designer
Shawn Anderson
Props Master
Donna McMaster
Lighting/Sound Technician
Pat Kaiser
Box Office
Mike Jablonski
Front of House
Ray Nazer
The Cliff Notes: Prescription: Murder follows the chillingly calculated scheme of Dr. Roy Flemming, a brilliant psychiatrist who believes he can engineer the perfect crime. Trapped in a failing marriage and entangled with a devoted young lover, he crafts an elaborate plan to murder his wife and stage an airtight alibi. At first, everything seems to unfold flawlessly—until the case lands in the hands of Lieutenant Columbo, a seemingly disheveled detective with an uncanny instinct for human behavior. Columbo’s polite persistence and deceptively casual questions begin to chip away at Flemming’s confidence. As psychological pressure mounts, cracks appear in the doctor’s carefully constructed façade. Loyalties shift, nerves fray, and the truth becomes harder for Flemming to control. In this gripping cat‑and‑mouse thriller, the audience watches a master manipulator slowly unravel under the gaze of a detective who is far sharper than he appears.
For any additional show questions, feel free to drop us a note at info@westallisplayers.org. See you at the show!
for West Allis Players’ production of: The Stranger by Agatha Christie Directed by: Mary Beth Topf
Audition Dates: August 11 & 12, 6:30 pm West Milwaukee Intermediate School 5104 Greenfield Ave. (51st and Greenfield) (Take National Ave. east to 52nd Street. Turn right. Parking lot is on the left a few hundred feed down 52nd Street. Enter doors off the circle drive/north parking lot and follow building signage to the Library.)
Looking for 5/6 actors. 2m and 3/4f
We are looking for energetic actors who want to have fun while delving into The Stranger which is one of Agatha Christie’s hidden gems—a psychological thriller that packs a lot of punch but is not well-known and therefore should be new treat for Agatha Christie lovers!
We hope to see you there! Preregistration is not needed! Photos may be taken during auditions.
Auditions will consist of reading from the script and improv. The audition form can be found here.
Show Synopsis: Enid rejects her fiancé and marries an exciting stranger. They move to a remote country cottage — all terribly romantic until dark secrets begin revealing themselves and we realize that no one is really who they say they are. This little-known Agatha Christie play perfects the art of the psychological thriller!
Character Information: Doris West: A non-descript girl of about 28. She is the current roommate of Enid Bradshow at their flat in Kensington.
Mrs. Huggins: The housekeeper of Enid and Doris at the flat in Kensington. She is middle-aged, and often has a pessimistic view on life and love. She assumes that every relationship is a battle to be won.
Enid Bradshow: A rather pretty girl of approximately 28. She has been engaged to Dick Lane for nearly seven years. She is unsure if she loves Dick, or if she is settling for Dick.
Gerald Strange: An attractive man of approximately 38. He looks like a man who has lived an outdoor life. He has rather a diffident, boyish manor, which endears him to women. There is nothing bold or flashy about him.
Dick Lane: He is a gentle man of approximately 35. He looks older than he is, stoops a bit, and has a diffident manner about him. He has been away for nearly seven years.
Mrs. Birch: Gerald’s housekeeper at the cottage. She is an anemic looking woman with a flat depressed voice. She has non of the cheerful pessimism of Mrs. Huggins. She is almost the exact opposite of her, in fact..
Performance Dates: Performances will be October 3 – 5 and 10 – 12 2025.
