It's billed as a sidesplitting comedy that pokes fun at the more ridiculous aspects of show business and the corny thrillers of Hollywood.

"The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940" open tonight and runs through May 17 at Modern Theater-Coeur d'Alene, 1320 E. Garden Ave.

By John Bishop, the play's plot follows the creative team responsible for a recent Broadway flop in which three chorus girls were murdered by the mysterious "stage door slasher."

The group assembles for a backer's audition of their new show at the Westchester estate of a wealthy "angel."

The house is replete with sliding panels, secret passageways and a German maid who is apparently four different people.

Comic mayhem follows when the infamous "Slasher" makes his reappearance and strikes again and again.

As the composer, lyricist, actors and director prepare their performance, a blizzard cuts off any possible retreat, bodies start to drop in plain sight, knives spring out of nowhere, masked figures drag their victims behind swiveling bookcases, and accusing fingers point in all directions.

Modern Theater's production stars an ensemble cast including Wendy Carroll, Kim Antone, Aubree Peterson, John Michael Collins. David Kappus, Kim Hardy, Easton Townsend, Gail Cory-Betz, Jeremy Whittington and Josh Koester.

Tickets are $13-$21 and can be purchased by visiting www.themoderntheater.org.