L’Attitudes Staff

Hy Conrad is not the first writer to make the connections between Hollywood, California and the Southernmost City.

But he will definitely make his mark with his first full-length play, “Home Exchange,” which makes it debut at The Waterfront Playhouse starting May 5.

Conrad spent eight seasons as a writer and producer for the TV series “Monk,” and has written for other production vehicles including “White Collar” and a web-based series “Little Monk.”

He specializes in the mystery genre with a dozen books under his belt and three nominations for Edgar awards, the top prize for fiction in the mystery category.

“Home Exchange” plays off that background. It’s a mystery centered on the vacation concept of home exchanges, where folks swap houses for a true get-away, changing places with their counterparts in another part of the country, or – even better – another part of the world.

Quoting from the playbill, this suspenseful plot “explores what happens when a couple that swaps houses with another pair becomes convinced they’ve stumbled on a murder plot.”

“A producer of TV crime shows exchanges her Manhattan apartment with a couple from England. Once in the English cottage, she and her brother (her traveling companion) grow suspicious that something is about to happen to the British husband. “A suspenseful comedy in the mold of Deathtrap but with a bit of Rear Window thrown in for fun.”

The Waterfront Playhouse’s production of “Home Exchange” stars: Nicole Nurenberg as Delia; Michael Aaglan as Randy; Joan O’Dowd as Mrs. Weaver; Brandon Beach as Patrick, and Tom Murtha as Constable Greely.

Bob Bowersox directs; Michael Boyer did the set design and Carmen Rodriquez reprises her role as costume designer extraordinaire. David Bird handles the lighting and Trish Manley keeps all the pieces moving as stage manager for “Home Exchange.”

Tickets range in price from $20 to $50. The May 5 premier includes a post-performance party in the Key West Historic Sculpture Garden adjoining the playhouse. Those tickets cost $50. Regular performances are scheduled May 10-26. All shows begin at 8 p.m.

The Key West-based writer, when he’s not doing mysteries, writes short stories, magazine pieces and other non-fiction, including an upcoming humor book, “Things Your Dog Doesn’t Want You to Know.”

Conrad’s world premiere is the showpiece for a ten-day Key West Mystery Fest.

Mystery buffs can try their hand at the “Crime Scene Photographer” interactive solve-it-yourself puzzler, set for 7 p.m. Friday, May 4, at Key West’s Casa Antigua, 314 Simonton St. On Sunday, May 6, a three-stage progressive dinner will be staged in Truman Annex, complete with a dastardly murder to solve.

Conrad and “Monk” creator Andy Breckman are to host “Monk Night” at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 10, at Key West’s Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St. They will explain how the Emmy Award-winning show was created, written and produced, and screen favorite episodes.

On Friday, May 11, Conrad will join mystery writers Stuart Woods, Kate Collins, Mike Dennis, Jonathan Woods and Michael Haskins for a book signing and panel discussion exploring the secrets to success in the genre.

At 8 p.m. Saturday, May 12, a special “Home Exchange” performance and talkback will be staged at the Waterfront Playhouse. Attendees can solve the mystery through insights from Conrad and the cast and crew.

This event includes a meet-and-greet reception, backstage tour of Waterfront Playhouse’s “Home Exchange” set with Conrad, the director and the set designer.

A final brunch is scheduled Sunday, May 13, at the Westin Key West Resort & Marina, 245 Front St.

For more information, visit: www.keywestmysteryfest.com.