By Elihu Winer

Based on the Novel by Robert Traver



Directed by Fred Collins

Auditions Sept. 27-28, 2010
Perfomances Nov 4-7, 2010

at the Goddard Center






Until a recent election defeat, small-town lawyer Paul Biegler had been the local prosecutor.  Given a lack of clients lately, he now spends a lot of time fishing.  When a murder occurs in a bar on the outskirts of town, Biegler is asked to defend Army Lt. Frederick Manion who admits to having killed bar owner Barney Quill, the man that allegedly raped Manion’s wife.  Beigler knows that Manion’s defense of temporary insanity is weak, so he tries to find witnesses that can bolster his case.  Considered one of the best trial stories of all time, the play is based on a real homicide and subsequent trial on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in the 1950’s. 

Courtsey of Samuel French