By Eva Trieger
POWAY, California –For those of us old enough to remember the 1968 pilot movie of Columbo or the subsequent TV series, this show will bring back some fond memories of a bumbling, disheveled, yet brilliant detective.
Despite his lack of polish, his New York accent, and his meandering methods, it seems, like the Canadian Mounties, Columbo always got his man. For those of you too young to recall the series, you’ll still appreciate PowPac’s clever production of Prescription: Murder.
Dr. Roy Flemming (Pete Zanko) and his mistress/patient, Susan Hudson (Abbie Black), concoct a plan to do away with Claire Flemming (Kelley Goode), the good doctor’s wife. Their marriage is unsatisfying and since she has refused to grant his request for a divorce, that leads to but one option. The lovers may have gotten off Scot free, if not for the clever machinations of NYPD’s Lt. Columbo (Frank Guttiere).
Miss Petrie (Teri Ang), the doctor’s receptionist delivers a delightful performance as sympathetic to patients, and fiercely loyal and protective of her employer. Her thick Brooklyn accent seemed to deepen with each of her scenes, as she shielded the doctor from aggravating patients and those interlopers without an appointment.
Dave Gordon (John McCorkle) a close personal friend of Dr. Flemming acted in alliance with the doctor, negating the detective’s queries and his suspicions. His loyalty to the psychiatrist is helpful in allowing Flemming to outpace the law.
The cold-blooded doctor’s plan might have worked had his accomplice followed all of his carefully detailed directions. As minor aspects of the scheme were omitted, the fabric began to fray. And who was there to follow the stray threads? None other than Lt. Columbo.
The ensuing cat-and-mouse game was punctuated by the classic Columbo gestures and oddball line of questioning. Dr. Flemming’s patience with the detective showed serious eroding with each interrogation. Susan Hudson became visibly disconcerted as the pressure was turned up.
The audience should not expect a reincarnation of Peter Falk’s Columbo. Guttiere gave the character his own brand and it worked well. Rather than the docile puppy-dog demeanor, Guttiere’s detective had a razor-sharp edge when called for, and at one point, became quite intimidating. This revealed the actor’s range of emotion and lent an edge of suspense to the production.
Once again, this theatre proves that they’ve got the chops! Whether you’re reliving glory days or new to the gumshoe genre, PowPac’s Prescription: Murder will provide an entertaining afternoon or evening. The all-volunteer staff at the charming venue welcomes you to enjoy their show and now, the wine bar is open!
Tickets may be purchased by phone at 858.679.8085 or online at boxoffice@powpac.org
Eva Trieger is a freelancer specializing in the coverage of the arts.