If you act fast, you can catch a great evening of mystery/comedy by taking in Shadow of Murder.

Shadow of Murder is the newest play by prolific local author-playwright-singer-puppeteer Elizabeth Elwood. It's on at the Vagabond Theatre in Queen's Park until Saturday (June 25).

What is supposed to be a relaxing week at a hunting lodge deep in the woods turns out to be a shooting gallery for a vengeful killer - and who is going to be the victim?

An attractive set, complete with a real bear rug in front of a fireplace, assorted deer and moose heads and other trophies, hosts a dysfunctional family with a mysterious history, and provides a suitable backdrop for the question: Why is their coming a source of fear to their hosts?

Trading barbs and great one-liners are Mary Adams as an opera diva and Dwayne Campbell as a sardonic gardener. Donna Thompson is suitably cast as the new trophy wife, with Nancy Von Euw as the harried help, and Chris O'Connor does a good comedic turn as the self-engrossed Italian tenor.

The ensemble includes Cheryl Stephenson as a tell-all teenager, who, like most of the rest of the cast of 14, does double duty with backstage tasks.

Elwood's skillful direction manages all these characters without any traffic jams on Vagabond's far-from-large stage.

Be prepared from some unexpected murders, amid entertaining cross-talk among the cast, and a surprise ending you are challenged to guess.

For tickets, call 604-521-0412 or visit www.vagabondplayers.ca.