We're excited to welcome you to PLAYSPACE, our table reads series!
“Over the past year, we’ve proudly welcomed new members into the RLT community, expanded our volunteer family, and watched several PLAYSPACE participants make their stage debut in the 25–26 season. One year in, it’s not just the next piece of literature we look forward to—it’s the shared time, the thoughtful conversations, the tears, and the laughter that make this space so special. As a facilitator, it’s a joy to witness this community thrive, and I can’t wait to see what the next year of PLAYSPACE will bring.”
- Alli Clark, PLAYSPACE Director
Join us at Rome Little Theatre for a fun, interactive experience where YOU get to read parts of the script, connect with fellow theatre enthusiasts, and dive into a variety of plays. Whether you're a seasoned actor or just love the theatre, everyone is welcome!
The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940
By John Bishop
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
6:30pm - 9:30pm
Location: 502 E First St. Rome, GA 30161 - RLT Building
This play is open to ages 18 and older
Registration: https://romelittletheatre.ludus.com/200551406
The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940
By John Bishop
When the creative team responsible for a Broadway flop gather at an isolated country mansion, chaos erupts as the “Stage Door Slasher” returns in this side-splitting mystery sure to entertain.
Summary
The creative team responsible for a recent Broadway flop (in which three chorus girls were murdered by the mysterious “Stage Door Slasher”) assemble for a backer’s audition of their new show at the Westchester estate of a wealthy “angel.” The house is replete with sliding panels, secret passageways and a German maid who is apparently four different people – all of which figure diabolically in the comic mayhem which follows when the infamous “Slasher” makes his reappearance and strikes again – and again.
As the composer, lyricist, actors and director prepare their performance, and a blizzard cuts off any possible retreat, bodies start to drop in plain sight, knives spring out of nowhere, masked figures drag their victims behind swiveling bookcases and accusing fingers point in all directions. However, and with no thanks to the bumbling police inspector who comes in to investigate, the mystery is solved in the nick of time and the “Slasher” unmasked – but not before the audience has been treated to a sidesplitting good time and a generous serving of the author’s refreshingly irreverent wit.
History
The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 premiered at Circle Repertory Company in New York City on January 7, 1987. It then transferred to the Longacre Theatre on Broadway on April 6, 1987. Directed by the author, John Bishop, the production featured Lily Knight, Ruby Holbrook, Willie C. Carpenter and Nicholas Wyman.
What to Expect:
A relaxed, welcoming environment
Engaging discussions about the play
A chance to meet new people and make theatre connections
Lots of fun!
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of something vibrant and inclusive.
Come for the reads, stay for the community!
Past Table Reads: Discover Our Journey
Check out our curated selections from previous table reads, showcasing diverse stories that brought readers together in creativity and collaboration.
Love/Sick by John Cariani
Swell Party by Topher Payne
Lungs by Duncan MacMillian
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Based on the novel by Mark Haddon, Adapted by Simon Stephens
The Book of Will by Lauren Gunderson
Puffs by Matt Cox
Community Garden by Justin Borak
The Cottage by Sandy Rustin
Peter Pan Goes Wrong by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields
The Thanksgiving Play by Larissa FastHorse
Play On! by Rick Abbot
The Art of Dining by Tina Howe
UnderDog: The Other Bronte by Sarah Gordon
Stage Blood by Charles Ludlam
The Laramie Project, by Moisés Kaufman and the members of Tectonic Theater Project