'Criminals' brings suspense, laughter to Little Panida

This August, the Panida Little Theater will transform into a high-stakes interrogation room as Teresa Pesce’s original play, "Criminals," takes the stage. 

Set entirely within the confines of a government facility, the production invites audiences into the minds of professional interrogators as they unravel the truth behind three gripping cases.

The play unfolds in three acts, each centered on a different suspect. In “Emily,” a widow returns home from shopping to find her husband has been killed. As detectives dig deeper, sympathy and suspicion intertwine, leaving the audience to question what really happened.

“Ponzo” introduces a charismatic mafioso suspected of double homicide. His charm and wit keep the interrogators on their toes, while his girlfriend’s awkward alibis and a sharp-tongued defense attorney add layers of complexity to the case.

The final act, “Frytz,” features a suspect so elusive that even seasoned interrogators struggle to pin him down. As the pressure mounts, the possibility of failure looms large — but the absurdity of the situation delivers unexpected laughs.

Written and directed by Pesce, "Criminals" blends drama and comedy with sharp dialogue and compelling performances. The cast includes Cory Repass, Scott Gossett, Shelly Johnson, Andrew Sorg, Holly Sharp, Ashleigh Ryann, Chris Shaw, Mary Ann Kutzleb, Dwight Webster and Alex Jones. Doug Jones provides graphics and set design, while Dwight Webster handles lighting and tech.

Performances will be held Friday and Saturday evenings with performances set for Aug. 9, 15 and 16. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show beginning at 7:30 p.m. A Sunday matinee is scheduled for Aug. 10, with doors opening at 1 p.m. and the performance starting at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available for $20 in advance at www.panida.org or $25 at the door. The show is recommended for audiences ages 15 and older.