Quote of the Day: Andrew…remember…be sure to tell them…it was only a bloody game. The character Milo to Andrew as they devise an elaborate scheme, all the while testing each other’s motives and intent in Sleuth by Anthony Shaffer, directed by Kimberly Senior, on stage at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, MN through May 10. It’s a trilling game of cat and mouse, filled with many delightful theatrical twists and effects.

Ramiz Monsef as Andrew and John Tufts as Milo Tindle in Sleuth at the Guthrie Theater thru 5/10/26. Photo: Dan Norman

Sleuth premiered on Broadway in November 1970 and won the Tony in 1971 for Best Play. It’s been adapted for film, twice. In 1972 starring Sir Laurence Olivier as Andrew and Michael Caine as Milo. Again in 2007, this time with Michael Caine playing the older character Andrew, and Jude Law as Milo. (I plan to watch both films.) The play is mostly a two-hander with a few minor characters popping in as inspectors and detectives. 

Ramiz Monsef plays Andrew Wyke, a mystery writer. And, John Tufts plays Milo, an insurance salesman. The opening scene is of Milo stopping by Andrew’s eccentric mansion, on invitation, and Andrew says, “So, you want to marry my wife?” So, starts the game of wit and trickery. Andrew seems to be just fine with his wife having a new lover, and someone to take her off his hands. You see, she is a rather expensive woman, and he wants to make sure that Milo has the means to support her. God forbid, she would find herself unsatisfied in her new relationship, and come back to him! They devise a scheme in which Milo will steal the jewels that Andrew has invested most of his money in. Milo will sell the jewels, and Andrew will collect the insurance. What could possibly go wrong? You can only image.

Ramiz Monsef as Andrew and John Tufts as Milo Tindle in Sleuth at the Guthrie Theater thru 5/10/26. Photo: Dan Norman

These two actors are amazing to watch. They change stance, opinion, clothes, and actions constantly. We sat riveted to the stage wondering what would happen next. Delightful physical comedy paired with cutting wit and oozing with charm from both actors. Mm mm, I’d love to see it again. 

The set is one of the most elaborate that I’ve ever seen, designed by Todd Rosenthal. It’s like a gothic fun house, filled with objects that move, bookshelves filled with mysterious titles, a spiral staircase, a large fireplace with a menagerie of animal heads mounted on the wall above it. A table with board games that require thought and strategy. Costume design by Shahrzad Mazaheri puts the men in time and class appropriate clothing, with a few surprises sprinkled in. Lighting design by Anshuman Bhatia. Sound design by Jill BC Du Boff. Fight Director is Annie Enneking – lots of great interplay here. Overall, one of the best plays I’ve ever seen. My friend and I loved it. We went to the ASL interpreted performance, which also had closed captioning, and both helped us keep track of all the witty dialogue. Thank you to the Guthrie Theater for providing that service. 

Ramiz Monsef as Andrew and John Tufts as Milo Tindle in Sleuth at the Guthrie Theater thru 5/10/26. Photo: Dan Norman

You can catch this fun thriller filled with surprises through May 10, 2026 at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, MN.

Go. Create Inspire!

JOURNALING PROMPT: Are you, or do you know someone, who is a trickster? Describe an elaborate scheme that you’ve either been involved in or watched on a stage or in a film. Such fun. The game’s afoot! I do love a show that keeps me guessing!