Theatre--Performance

Before it was a hit TV series, Columbo was a play called Prescription: Murder written by William Link and Richard Levinson. The play is exactly like a Columbo episode--in fact it was filmed as the pilot episode for the series. We see the murder committed and the alibi established, then Columbo matches wits with the killer until the surprise ending. The play really does have a surprise ending.

Dr. Roy Flemming is a psychiatrist married to a neurotic wife, Claire. Since it is 1962, he cannot divorce her without her consent--and she is adamantly opposed to divorce. Then, he meets Susan Hudson, a young actress and they begin an affair. Soon, Flemming has decided that he must be free of Claire to marry Susan. He and Susan concoct an elaborate scheme to murder Claire but unfortunately for them Lt. Columbo is assigned to the case. He almost immediately suspects Flemming and begins a cat-and-mouse game hoping to make Flemming give himself away. Flemming parries him at every turn, even using political influence to have Columbo removed from the case. But even though Flemming sees through Columbo's bumbling mask, he still underestimates the policeman. Columbo has one final trick up his sleeve.

Prescription: Murder will run September 11th, 12th and 13th; 19th and 20th; 25th, 26th and 27th at the Duchamp Opera House in St. Martinville. The Opera House is located at the corner of Hwy. 31 and Hwy. 96 (Main and Terrace). Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 and Sunday matinees are at 2. Please be aware that there will be no performance on Friday, September 18.

The cast consists of Robert D. Sidman (Lafayette) as Dr. Roy Flemming. Carmen Nicholson (New Iberia) plays his wife, Claire. Adel-Catherine Comeaux (St. Martinville) plays Susan Hudson, Audrey Thibodeaux (New Iberia) plays Flemming's secretary, Miss Petrie and Donald "Doc" Voorhies plays Dave Gordon, a politician with eyes on the governor's mansion. Lt. Columbo is played by Milton Resweber (St. Martinville and Scott). The performance is directed by Joseph Diaz (Lafayette) and produced by Walter Brown.