Town Players of Newtown has opened its 81st season (!) with a Happy New Year celebration that kills.

Presenting Murder Among Friends, by Bob Barry, this mystery takes the audience on a wild ride of twists and turns with wry humor and intrigue as it barrels toward its ultimate showdown.

Having grown weary and contemptuous of each other, long wed Angela and Palmer Forrester (Linda Gilmore and Rob Pawlikowski) are secretly planning to part ways. She is very rich and he is a legendary actor, at least in his own mind. They each have something to protect and something to hide. They have both befriended Palmer's wily agent, Ted Cotton, played by John Stevan and all their plans come to a head on New Year's Eve.

The Forresters have invited their friends, Marshall and Gertrude Seidenberg (Dennis Walsh and Michelle Leigh), to spend the evening getting inebriated and watching the ball drop.

The Seidenbergs add to the hijinks, just as planned.

Thrown into the mix is an apparently wired junkie in need of cash, portrayed by Tony Benedetti. Yet the mystery deepens. Who is he really?

The script by Bob Barry is rife with opportunities for dry wit and deadpan expressions of which the two leads, Ms Gilmore and Mr Pawlikowski, take full and hilarious advantage. They are spot on perfect and thoroughly entertaining. They carry this show effortlessly and elegantly. These are two fabulous actors who are masters of their craft.

Playing the role of Ted Cotton, John Stevan is suave and debonair. He came to this production just three days before the opening and has done an amazing job of immersing himself into his character. A skilled performer, he will only get better.

As the straight man and woman, Dennis Walsh and Michelle Leigh are delightfully naive to the undercurrent of malice which permeates the room. They are simply interested in ringing in the new year with old friends. They are fun to watch as the mayhem mounts.

Tony Benedetti is just great as the seemingly befuddled interloper.

Terry Polvay has done a lovely job of directing this piece with a subtle touch. She has allowed the story to unfold at an even pace, showcasing the talent of her cast.

Town Players has revamped the stage in this small theater and it appears expansive. The set, once again designed and built by the brilliant Tim Huebenthal, is elegant and an essential component of this very funny and amusing piece.

Come out and celebrate the New Year, the new season and the newer theater with Town Players. You will love the way they party!

Performances continue at The Little Theatre, 18 Orchard Hill Road, weekends through May 7.

Curtain times are 8 pm Fridays and Saturdays, with 2 pm matinees on Sundays, April 24 and May 1.

Tickets are $22 for the evening shows, $18 for matinee performances.

Reservations may be made by calling the box office at 203-270-9144 or by visiting the theater's website, newtownplayers.org.

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