In review with Reginald Barry

Leave it to the Waterfront Theater to develop a new themed event to extend their season – Key West Mystery Fest, a 10-day festival of mysteries and mystery-related events.  Not surprisingly, the Waterfront Theater is able to knock it out of the park with a new mystery play written by Hy Conrad (“Home Exchange,” through May 26 at the Waterfront Playhouse in Mallory Square), writer of the very successful television series, Monk & White Collar.

“Home Exchange “ is based on the rave success within the travel industry of individuals swapping their homes with complete strangers to explore completely new lands, countries, cities and culture.  Delia (played by Nicole Nurenberg) and Randy (played by Michael Aaglan) travel to England and move into the home of their home-swapping partners within a small English country village.

Enter Mrs. Weaver (played by Joan O’Dowd) as the quirky friend and housekeeper of the British owners to attempt to explain the home, surroundings, local weather and neighbor Patrick (played by Brandon Beach).  As the plot thickens, enter Tom Murtha as the village constable to straighten things out or muddy them up even more?

Delia and Randy, never satisfied to leave anything alone, begin to true up clues that develop into a larger-than-life situational comedy turned potential murder.  As the plot develops, you will want to call out onto the stage your thoughts to how and what will happen next.  I won’t tell you more, but you will want to get your tickets to this exciting and very funny mystery play directed wonderfully by Bob Bowersox.  The set designed by Michael Boyer with lighting by David Bird and costumes designed by Leigh Hooten carry us into the world of a quaint country home.  Well done, everyone.  Well done.