Newlyweds Sue and Robert Tonn’s biggest dilemma is whether there should be a swimming pool or a garden in their back yard. But a bigger problem arises when Robert secretly starts digging out his pool and unearths a human skull. Add to this mix a pair of thugs, a nosy cop, a pushy vacuum cleaner salesperson and an unsolved mystery of a hermit who haunted the area and disappeared decades earlier, and you have nothing short of a comical mystery that’s sure to entertain.
Production Requirements:
Cast: Four men and two women. The police officer may be cast as a female role.
Sue Tonn: Wife; 25-35 years old
Robert Tonn: Husband; 25-30 years old
Officer Clark: Police officer; 55-65 years old, a jovial-looking man who resembles Santa Claus
Miss Val: Vacuum cleaner sales person; 20-25 years old
Ted: Sue’s brother; 27-37 years old
Steve: Ted’s friend; 29-39 years old
Set: The play is set in the Tonn’s kitchen, present day. The room is decorated with a sunflower theme. Upstage, from left to right, there is tall pantry, a refrigerator with a right-hand door, a counter and sink with a window directly above it, a stove and cabinets with a countertop at SR. On the counter top is a coffee maker, a cookie jar, a canister set, a telephone, and other kitchen items. A door at CR leads outside to the Tonn’s yard; at DR is a window facing out onto the driveway. At CL is a door leading into rooms beyond. At CS is a table and chairs.
Props:
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Portable vacuum, cleaner with ‘Royal Aire’ printed on it
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Skull
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Plate of doughnuts
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Burlap sack stuffed with heavy rags
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Hand gun and handcuffs
Sound Effects:
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Dog barking
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Police siren
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Telephone ringing