Cell

Cell is a murder mystery - Lieutenant Rodriguez questions Dennis Kadman about his older brother Michael, who has OD'd on heroin in Dennis' apartment

Dennis wants to know who gave Michael the drugs

Michael was a cunning, manipulative addict. But he was placed in his brother's care by the courts and Dennis tried to keep him alive and drug-free

Through flashbacks, we see the fractious relationship between the brothers, and how they interacted with other "suspects," including Edith, the Jamaican nurse who believed Michael should be allowed to choose to die; Julie, Dennis' fiancée who hated what Michael was doing to Dennis and to their relationship; and Byron, Michael's homeless friend with whom he had lived on the streets

Like Oedipus, while looking for the culprit, Dennis learns far too much about himself ...

REVIEWS

"These days, when far too many authors of mystery and suspense give us cardboard characters in contrived situations and avoid anything with a social conscience, Judy Klass's Cell gives us believable dialogue about two brothers who are struggling with their own shortcomings and the social injustices that surround themcharacters who live and breathe, needle and provoke, and who truly get under your skin." Kenneth Wishnia, Judge, Best Play 2009 Edgar Allan Poe Awards, Edgar-nominated author of The Fifth Servant

"Cell by Judy Klass is so much more than a taut mystery play. It is both reminiscent of Agatha Christie's whodunits and Gabriel Garcia Marquez's use of magical realism to capture characters, time, and place. Ms. Klass tells us at the play's beginning that her main character, Michael, has been murdered. Her taut and spellbinding play keeps its audience at the edge of their seats, guessing, waiting for the explosive ending" ~ Woodie King Jr., Producing Director, New Federal Theatre

"Cell is the best new play I have presented since the Mystery Festival began. It is also very 'produceable' with great leading roles, small cast and a simple set a producer's dream!" ~ Zev Buffman, President and CEO of RiverPark Center, creator of the International Mystery Writers' Festival