Foul Play Afoot in Douglaston

There is a murderer on the loose in Douglaston! A young maid was slain and there are several suspects at large.

No need to lock your doors. This is merely the set up for The Douglaston Community Theater’s production, "Design for Murder," which was written by George Batson and directed by Nassau resident Eugene Sullivan.

Sullivan, who has been preparing for the play since March, has been directing on the community theater level since 1974.  He said he intends to keep his audience in suspense with his fifth show at the community theater, which is operated out of Douglaston's Zion Episcopal Church.

 “This is a very well-written, conventional murder mystery with well-developed characters, twists and turns and lots of suspense,” Sullivan said. “It is not very well-known since no one has done it in this area before, so I’m hoping to keep the audience guessing.”   

Sullivan’s journey in theater began as a boy in kindergarten when he performed in school plays. The energy he felt on stage would set the tone for his future in the arts.

After graduating from Queens College as a drama major in 1974, Sullivan decided to expand his repertoire by adding directing to his resume. He put on the director's cap and made his debut with "Goodnight Mrs. Puffin," a heartwarming British comedy. 

Since then, Sullivan has acted and directed in a number of local plays. Although he is well versed in several genres, from comedy to drama, Sullivan admits that he favors those laced with mystery and suspense, much like the works of Agatha Christie.

When directing a mystery such as Design For Murder, Sullivan said it is important to keep up the suspense.

“Any good murder mystery should have a couple of good characters that look like he or she could be the killer," he said. "You have to make sure that somebody looks like they are the suspect. You have to keep the audience wondering.”

Sullivan said it has been his biggest challenge as a director to make the audience continue to care for a group of characters, despite the fact that one of them is a murderer.

“The challenge is trying to get the actors to understand what is going on, why the person feels the way he or she does, why the mood shifts and help them deliver that to the audience as clearly as possible,” Sullivan said.  “My experience has been if the actor understands his part, if it seems real and life like, if it is true and psychologically honest, then it becomes a lot easier for them to deliver.”

Most of the nine cast members are experienced actors from the northeast Queens and Nassau County regions.

He admits that his goal as a director is to aim as high as possible and reduce his cast's anxieties, which he said brings out the best in everyone.

“I do as much as I can to inspire the actor - not to tell them, but to guide them to some good choices that seem natural and believable,” Sullivan said.

Although he has acted more than directed, Sullivan acknowledges that it is very rewarding to watch how the show develops as time and performances go on.

He admits that acting and directing gives him the opportunity to “escape the mundane” as it gives him “a window into the human condition and great insight into life.”

"Design For Murder" opens May 13 in the Parish Hall of Zion Episcopal Church, which is  located on 44th Avenue off the Douglaston Parkway at 8 p.m. The play will be running for three weekends with multiple performances. For more information ,call 718-482-3332 or see the attached flyer.