Picture a 1930s, black and white, film noir mystery. Now picture that, but even more over the top. That's what "Deadpan," with performances at the Liberty Lake Community Theatre through June 6, is like.

Cast member Mary Jo Rudolf describes the show as similar to a work by Dashiell Hammett, he of "The Maltese Falcon" fame, adapted into a 1941 film starring Humphrey Bogart. However, while his novels were very serious, this is a satire of the genre.

"[The characters] take themselves quite seriously," she explained. "But the audience won't."

Like many detective stories of that era, this show takes place in a nightclub and includes murder, intrigue and love triangles. It's a musical, but only because some of the characters are musicians - director Nick Kittilstved, who also plays Dr. Helmut Holzkopf, describes it as "more of a play with music." The music, four songs spread throughout the play, is mostly lounge style jazz music, although there is also a tango number.

This is Kittilstved's fifth show with the Liberty Lake Theatre but his first time directing. He describes the show, which was adapted from a dinner theater script, as a slight departure from the Theatre's typical fare.

"Most of our shows are directed at little kids," he said. "This is a little bit darker, in a fun way. … It's a show for adults that kids can see."

There isn't any foul language or innuendo in the show, but there are a few adult themes, including murder and infidelity. Both actors described it as appropriate for most families. 

Rudolf, who Kittilstved characterized as "the community theatre Meryl Streep," plays Detective Emma Bennett. She plays the character as an overwrought version of Hammett's famous detective, Sam Spade. Rudolf describes Bennett - and the rest of the characters in the show - as caricatures of people that the noir writers took seriously. As many of those characters were already somewhat over the top, these are even more ridiculous.

She has particularly enjoyed working on this show because of the wide range of actors' ages - participants range from high schoolers to retirees. The cast of 10 includes both a first-time actor and a Liberty Lake Theatre board member, as well as a number of actors who have participated in past shows at the Theatre, all of whom have enjoyed the opportunity to get to know each other.

"It's been a really neat experience to work with everyone," Rudolf said. "The younger people have a different way of looking at the world. As older people we tend to think about medical issues, war issues, really serious stuff - they help me remember there's so much joy in the funny, silly stuff."

The mystery of the show should keep audiences guessing throughout the twists and turns of both the love story and the murder case. The final review ought to come as a surprise to all.

Community theatre is produced simply for the love of the art, and everyone involved is a volunteer. By attending a show, you can support theatre in your community.

"It's so hard and expensive to do theater in Spokane, and there's rarely much of a budget. Everyone really has to pull their weight as a volunteer," said Rudolf. "It's hard, but we have a lot of fun."

"Deadpan" runs for two weekends, May 28-30 and June 4-6. Tickets for the approximately 90 minute show are $15. They are available at the door or in advance by calling 342-2055. 

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7 p.m. performances May 28-30, June 4-5

2 p.m. performances May 30 and June 6

Liberty Lake Community Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway Ave. 

Tickets: $15 at the door or in advance at 342-2055 or www.libertylaketheatre.com

Cast: Mary Jo Rudolf (as Emma Bennett); Kevin Kuecken (Clifford Magnus); Greg Bretti (Porter); James Adams (Stanley Cordell); Jana Ward (Betty Halliford); Nick Kittilstved (Helmut Holzkopf); Tracy Kendrick (Clara "Blondie" Townsend); Tyler Degenstein (Maitre d'); Grace Nall (Scarlet Cagliari); Susan Vickrey-Morrow (Maestro); Mikayla Ludiker (Stage Manager)