Elegantly introduced by tuxedo clad director Gene Golaszewski, Design for Murder unfolds as a whodunit in the classic style.

Town Players of Newtown are currently presenting George Bateson’s play. Last Sunday’s matinee had audience members agog at intermission, quizzing each other as to who did do it. It was fun for all.

The Widow Celia, played by Laurel Lettieri, resides over her compact family of one — son David (John Stevan) — and her few remaining servants, who have all kinds of hijinks going on behind her back.

Swilling, womanizer Moreno, the chauffer, is played by Stephan Ross. He cavorts, and toys with, fellow attendant Mrs Hamilton (Bryn Berg), and the young, otherwise distracted Kathy (April Lichtman).

Local socialite busybodies Martha Brand (Elaine Reidy) and Louisa Cortland (Michele Leigh) drop in and out of the mansion to learn the latest details of Celia’s struggles, which substantially increase when people start dropping dead. Called in to replace a deceased housekeeper is the lovely Nora Taylor (Nicole Yatsenick).  The bumbling, smitten detective Carlin is played by Ron Malyszka. 

The intrigue follows many twists and turns as clues and suspects are examined and dismissed. It is impossible to know who is wreaking the havoc in this stuffy, old world residence. Troubled pasts are alluded to, serving to enhance the ruse.

The quiet countryside, far from the bustling city, is hardly peaceful in this comedic mystery. 

Laurel Lettieri is simply wonderful as the elegant yet enigmatic Celia. Her composure belies her troubled history, yet this skilled actor capably reveals her character’s contradictions.

Playing David with a frequent diabolical sneer, John Stevan gives pause when considering the possible culprits.

Celia’s two curious friends are energetically and enthusiastically played by Michele Leigh and Elaine Reidy. They are both pretty cute.

The cad/drunk driver, Mareno is a comedic turn by Stephen Ross, with spot-on timing.

The house maids — portrayed by April Lichtman, Bryn Berg and Nicole Yatesenick — all portray various levels of anxiety and willfulness, which makes any one of them (OK , maybe not one of them) a potential suspect.

Ron Malyszka, in actual gum shoes, plays his Carlin with a plodding, processed approach to crime solving as he looks to score in the win column at work.

All the action takes place on a single set, beautifully designed by Tim Huebenthal, which has a moneyed aura that is deceiving and stifling. Costumes, designed by Tracy Nashel, are both appropriate and creative. The hats and evening wear are particularly well done.

Somebody put a lot of effort into this well designed murder, who could it be? Test your deductive skills while being thoroughly entertained.

The finalé of Town Players of Newtown’s 80th anniversary season, Design For Murder continues weekends to November 21. Performances are at The Little Theatre, 18 Orchard Hill Road.

Curtain is Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, with one remaining matinee on Sunday, November 15, at 2 pm.

Tickets are $22 for the evening performances for adults, $18 for matinees; all tickets for ages 10 and under are $10. Call 203-270-9144 or visit newtownplayers.org for tickets or additional information.