Let Hernandez, left, and Eric Valle rehearse a scene from “The Real Inspector Hound,” a comedy/murder mystery that will be staged by the Howard College Theater Department tonight through Sunday at the Hall Center for the Arts. (HERALD photo/Steve Reagan)

By STEVE REAGAN     
Staff Writer
So, is “The Real Inspector Hound” a comedy or murder mystery or a psychological thriller or a play within a play?

Yes.

The play, which will be staged tonight through Sunday by the Howard College Theater Department fits all the above descriptions, Director Kirk Davidson said.

“I've always liked the 'play within a play' aspect ... and we wanted to do something special for Halloween and we thought this was perfect for that,” Davidson said. “Plus, it's interactive. Everybody's always thought that if it were them on the stage, they'd do better than the actors. Well, the central characters in this play feel the same way and they get the chance to prove it.”

The play centers around two theater critics who, while reviewing a play, suddenly find themselves as characters in that play and involved in a murder mystery.

“It's kind of like 'Twilight Zone' in that it has a surprising ending,” Davidson said, “but basically, it's a comedy with a twist.”

Davidson said fans of Agatha Christie, “Murder She Wrote” or the old Sherlock Holmes films will enjoy the play, which debuts at tonight in the Hall Center for the Arts. Show times are 8 p.m. through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

This marks the department's first play of the season and the debut of new Technical Director Cathy Cox.

“She's wonderful,” Davidson said. “She's worked with the Hip Pocket Theater in Fort Worth and has an extensive background in theater.”

Admission is $5 for general admission and $3 for Howard College students and employees.

Contact Staff Writer Steve Reagan at 263-7331 ext. 234 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it