The play, adapted by Anderson from William March’s novel, is set in a small southern town where Colonel and Christine Penmark live with their daughter, Rhoda. Little Rhoda Penmark is the evil queen of the story.  On the surface she is sweet, charming, full of old-fashioned graces, loved by her parents, admired by all her elders.  But Rhoda’s mother has an uneasy feeling about her.  When one of Rhoda’s schoolmates is mysteriously drowned at a picnic, Mrs Penmark is alarmed.  For the boy who has drowned had recently won a penmanship medal Rhoda felt she deserved.

Directed by veteran Suzanne Kinnear of Bethel, the Town Players production features 12 local actors.  Sharing the role of Rhoda are Keilly McQuail of Newtown and Becky Pace of Monroe.  Colonel and Mrs. Penmark are played by Mark Spencer of Bridgewater and Robin Hawkins of Seymour.

Monica, their landlady, and Emory, Monica’s brother, are played by Jo Voigt of Monroe and Michael Cassidy of Southbury.  Leroy, the handyman, is played by Gary Nastu of Bridgeport.

Mrs and Mr Daigle, the parents of the dead boy, are played by Debra Creedon of Ridgefield and Steve Affinito of Bethel.  Miss Fern, the headmistress of Rhoda’s school, is played by Danette Riso of West Redding, and Charlie Cowles of Newtown plays Tasker, the mystery writer.  And finally Bravo, Christine’s father, is played by Bart Schofield, also of Newtown.

Ron Malyszka of Bridgewater is assistant director and will share stage manager duties with Laura Knights of Newtown.  Rick Roos of Woodbury will manage lights and sound.  Co-producers are Michael Stanley of Bridgeport and Larry Kinnear of Bethel.

The show opens Friday, November 5, at The Little Theatre. The theatre is on Orchard Hill Road in Newtown.

Performances will run Friday and Saturday evenings through November 27. Curtain is at 8 pm.  For ticket information or reservations, call The Little Theatre at 270-9144.