Charlene Hong White and Tom Simonetti Photo by Constantine Pappas

It would be terrible to reveal too much of the plot, for there are more twists and turns than a pretzel factory. Suffice it is to say that the play opens with Jack Brooks (played by the intense Reid Sinclair) in his isolation chamber and his wife Annie (the excellent Charlene Hong White) in the midst of painting a canvas that the audience is unable to see for a good deal of the first act. Also in this story is the flamboyant Vincent (the charming and funny Tom Simonetti), who is an art dealer, and, in the smallest role, the expert Gemma Berg portrays Kate, the Brooks' young Irish housekeeper.

The director has a fine time of presenting these four characters in a variety of pairings: there may be just Sinclair and White onstage together, or there is a trio, with Simonetti and Berg introduced at crucial moments throughout the show. Art of Murder relies on a frightening atmosphere–some moments may make you jump. There is a magnificent set (designed by Kimberly Jackson) of the living room of Jack and Annie's home, and, befitting a play that focuses on artists, there are several majestic paintings on the wall. The costumes by Thomas D. Gordon are wonderfully designed and they help to mold each character's personality. The lighting design (courtesy of Charles O'Connor) is extraordinary and sets the mood of the play superbly.

As Jack, Sinclair comes on strong from the opening moments and there is almost the danger of his performance being too much. Jack can be a bit of a jerk, but this quality ultimately works for the character and pays off beautifully. As Jack's wife Annie, White is much more subdued, but there is a great deal going on under the surface, with her actions and reactions being unpredictable from beginning to end.

If there is one performer onstage who tends to steal scenes, it would be Simonetti as the art dealer Vincent. This actor commands the stage and is responsible for delivering a good deal of the dry humor in the play. However, this production has been staged in a way that benefits all four of the actors. Not to be forgotten, Berg's housekeeper Kate is something of a puzzle, being featured in key and cunning moments.

Art of Murder is quite a thriller and will keep you on the edge of your seat. The pacing is great and the engrossing energy onstage is almost hypnotic. Without revealing too much, various characters get their just desserts, with other characters finding justice, and the ultimate conclusion is unexpected. If you are a lover of murder mysteries, Art of Murder at Seven Angels Theatre is the ideal show to see for a nail-biting evening of theatre.

Art of Murder runs through November 30, 2025, at Seven Angels Theatre, 1 Plank Rd, Waterbury CT. For tickets and information, please call 203-757-4676 or visit www.sevenangelstheatre.org.