"Something's Afoot" at Goodspeed

Musicals have such fun parodying other genres. (And, sometimes, even parodying themselves.)

The musical "Something's Afoot" sets its satiric sights on mysteries. It pulls much of its inspiration from Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None." So the storyline involves a secluded British mansion (natch) that's inundated by a thunderstorm (bet the power goes out). Ten strangers who have gathered there start going missing, one at a time.

"Something's Afoot" - which opens Friday at Goodspeed Opera House - features book, music and lyrics by James McDonald, David Vos and Robert Gerlach, with additional music by Ed Linderman.

Goodspeed first produced the show way back in 1973. Three years later, it hit Broadway. A version opened in London later, and Showtime created a TV version in 1984 starring - strange, but true - Jean Stapleton and Andy Gibb.

Directing the Goodspeed production is Casey Hushion, whose Broadway credits include being associate director for "Elf" and assistant director for "In the Heights" and "The Drowsy Chaperone."

- KRISTINA DORSEY

"Something's Afoot," Goodspeed Opera House, Main Street, East Haddam; opens Friday and runs through Dec. 9; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Wed., 7:30 p.m. Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri., 3 and 8 p.m. Sat., and 2 p.m. Sun.; also, 6:30 p.m. Sun. through Nov. 4, and 2 p.m. Thurs. starting Nov. 8; tickets start at $27; (860) 873-8668, goodspeed.org.