‘Inspector Hound’ mixes comedy, murder mystery
Theatre II’s newest production has something for everyone
By Marlee Newman, contributing writer
Posted on January 22, 2007

One thing is very clear about “The Real Inspector Hound”: the audience will take what they want from it. Described as a British farce, murder mystery, a play within a play, Theatre II’s latest production by Tom Stoppard provides a little something for everyone.

Written between 1961 and 1962, “The Real Inspector Hound” is about two theater critics, Birdboot and Moon, who are watching a murder mystery play and comment on it throughout. Things take a slightly serious turn when the critics are accidentally drawn into the murder mystery and the characters’ reality begins to imitate art.  As the play progresses, its themes become clear as they explore fate, life, and of course, theater.

“It’s a hysterical satire on life,” said senior Sean McIntyre, who plays Birdboot.

Junior Asher Nicholson is making his directorial debut with this production.

“I want [the audience] to question: What is theater?” Nicholson said. “What is this that they are taking part of? Is it all comedy? Is it serious? I don’t want them to leave with conclusions. Just questioning.”

“It’s an intertwining of genres,” McIntyre said. “It’s a satire on Agatha Christie, it’s a farce. It’s been really interesting playing with all of those . . . it’s kind of a free-for-all.”

Sophomore Lauren Ramsey plays Mrs. Drudge in the play.

“We tried to go outside the stereotypes of farces, the blonde, the old woman, but still stay within them,” Ramsey said, who jokingly refers to her character as “the help.”

Essentially, the audience takes away from “The Real Inspector Hound” what it wants.  If an audience member is paying attention to the underlying ideas, they will find a great deal to analyze. However, the play is also a comedy, so if a person wants to simply laugh and enjoy themself, they will.

“The script speaks for itself,” Nicholson said. “Anyone can go see it. Obviously, an 8-year-old won’t understand the deeper issues. But if you want to see it as something serious, it opens all of these themes.”

Whether to be enjoyed for a laugh or to think seriously about life and theater, “The Real Inspector Hound” is not a play to be missed.
Tom Stoppard’s “The Real Inspector Hound” will be performed at Theatre II from Jan. 23 to Jan. 27 at 8 p.m., with an additional matinee on Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at Theatre II on Jan. 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. as well as two hours before curtain.