Show

Maltese Murder, The

Hammett Time

Venue and Show Times:

Click on the venue name above for information on parking and amenities.

  • July 18, 2025 at 07:00 p.m.
  • July 19, 2025 at 02:30 p.m.
  • July 20, 2025 at 08:30 p.m.
  • July 25, 2025 at 08:30 p.m.
  • July 26, 2025 at 05:30 p.m.

Show Description

When a book collector is murdered in a public library, a private detective is hired to find the killer. He meets a host of unsavory characters hunting for a valuable autographed edition of Dashiell Hammett’s “The Maltese Falcon” that was donated to the Friends of the Library book sale. Originally commissioned by the Johnson County Public Library for the 2008 National Endowment for the Arts’ Big Read, Fringe veterans Bryan Colley and Tara Varney brings this hilarious film noir parody to the Unicorn stage.

Cast and Crew

Written and directed by Bryan Colley
Produced by Tara Varney
Davis DeRock as Sam
Caroline Dawson as Brigit
Chad Crenshaw as Goodman
Jake Golliher as Cairo
Hilari Holt as Danelle
Cody Beavers as Tom the Cop
Dianna Royer as Lil Shadow

Artist & Show Details:

Local-Kansas City, MO
AA – All Ages

Past Fringe Shows

2023 On Account of Sex
2022 & 2024 Fringeprov
2019 Enlarged to Show Texture
2018 The Man in My Beard
2017 Variations on a Theme by Tara Varney
2016 Freak Up the Street
2016 Mimi Dafoe
2015 Voyage to Voyager
2015 Silver
2014 Red Death
2013 Chicken Heart
2012 Sexing Hitler
2011 Hexing Hitler
2010 Khaaaaan! the Musical
2009 Lingerie Shop
2008 Jesus Christ: King of Comedy

Awards, Quotes and Reviews

14 reviews for Maltese Murder, The

  1. Connie Nielson

    One of the better shows I have seen. Not just this year but many years. Clever and well put together with limited space. Great cast. Go see this one!

  2. Stephanie B

    Maltese Murder is another solid show delivered by creative team, Tara Varney and Bryan Colley! Laugh out loud clever, great pacing, and an overall enjoyable performance. Davis DeRock absolutely killed it as Sam Spade! Don’t miss this one.

  3. EllyD

    This show was a tight delight! Varney and Colley know all the tropes of the murder mystery universe and nailed them with a wink to the audience who gobbled up every fast-paced exchange and laughed out loud. Loved the casting choices, especially Davis DeRock and Chad Crenshaw. And Dianna Royer – just because…

  4. Kurtis Thiel

    Fun takeoff on a film noir movie. Cast played the parts with just the right seriousness and camp.

  5. Richie Johnson

    Bryan and Tara are two of the more brilliant artists that grace the Fringe space! They find success in all their shows. Anything they do is MORE than worth seeing. Even in their casting, Davis DeRock is incredible as Sam Spade. I mean, he could have been the real detective. You will be so glad you saw this one. All the players in this show held their own and you will truly enjoy it!!

  6. Jessica Whitfield (verified owner)

    Very funny! Some clever writing and funny cast members will take you on an escape and bring you some laughs.

  7. JT

    Very well paced. Davis DeRock absolutely nails the character of Sam Spade. Campy, witty, hilarious. Really well done.

  8. James P Waldo

    The show is a blast! Brilliantly done. Excellent casting. Everyone was great but the lead was truly the lead. He crushed it. I’d call it a must see.

  9. Tess

    A loving homage for film noir fans! The witty banter and clever twists on classic tropes felt like inside jokes made just for us. I laughed a lot and had a great time. A true treat for anyone who loves a good femme fatale, a private dick, and a mournful trumpet solo. Wah wah wah waaaaah

  10. Dennis P.

    Must see. All the acting is great, and the lead’s monologues are spot on.

  11. Jason Radford

    TL:DR: Go see this show!

    Professional production, very well-written, brilliantly executed. Funny, Clever, Well-Paced.

  12. Amanda Matteucci

    Great cast! Witty and silly writing. Highly recommend you go see this one!!

  13. Mike Bishop

    Very entertaining, well written and extremely well performed show! Listen for fun little puns snuck in here and there.

  14. Jess R. (verified owner)

    Fun and well written! Perfectly cast! Loved the references to the book/movie.

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