Quote of the Day: I guarantee it, you’ll be taken care of. Portman to Merriman in The Butler Did It by Jeffrey Hatcher.

Every time I find a stumper, you seem to have the answer. Inspector Denise to Portman in The Butler Did It by Jeffrey Hatcher.

What a thrill to be the first audience to see a new play by the great American Playwright Jeffrey Hatcher (Glensheen, Holmes/Poirot, to name a few). In The Butler Did It, Hatcher has created a new detective –  a bright, young woman who notices minute details and isn’t afraid to ask questions. Twin Cities Theater Bloggers favorite Allison Vincent plays Inspector Denise with energy and sly wit. Her facial expressions are so great, you can see them from the back of the house. The whole stage comes alive when she enters. 

Allison Vincent, Steve Hendrickson in The Butler Did It by Jeffrey Hatcher, Directed by David Ira Goldstein, at Park Square Theatre, thru 8/16/26. Photo: Dan Norman

The setting is a school for Butlers in San Francisco, 1975. As a training session is coming to a close, one of the butlers appears to have killed himself. Several people heard the gunfire. Everyone saw the body. The local police came in to examine the scene, and yet, something is off. The stories don’t ring true, and the evidence tells another story.

Allison Vincent, Steve Hendrickson in The Butler Did It by Jeffrey Hatcher, Directed by David Ira Goldstein, at Park Square Theatre, thru 8/16/26. Photo: Dan Norman

Steve Hendrickson plays the instructor of the School for Butlers, Mr. Portman. He’s cool, collected, and demands perfection from his pupils. Anna Beth Baker is the only female in the butler school. It seems she’s had a relationship with another student Nicholas Lane, played brilliantly by another Twin Cities favorite, Peter Christian Hansen. He breaks things off with Emma as the course is coming to an end. It seems he doesn’t want to complicate things as they all move on and into careers in various places. Neal Beckman plays Tony, a bit of a project for Mr. Portman. He’s not as polished or capable, but he certainly tries hard. He’s almost got that balancing act down. He’s also smitten with Emma and sees his opportunity when Lane breaks up with her on the night they were planning on going to the movies. Tony takes Emma instead, hoping to spark a romance. 

Allison Vincent, Neal Beckman in The Butler Did It by Jeffrey Hatcher, Directed by David Ira Goldstein, at Park Square Theatre, thru 8/16/26. Photo: Dan Norman

Pearce Bunting plays Merriman who goes back a ways with Portman. He’s been the steady man at the manor, catering to Portman’s every need. But, he also knows things, sees things, observes, and waits out his time. When Lady Caroline appears, some secrets are revealed. Norah Long plays Lady Caroline with just the right amount of spark. She’s not there very long, but she leaves a grand impression.

Allison Vincent, Norah Long in The Butler Did It by Jeffrey Hatcher, Directed by David Ira Goldstein, at Park Square Theatre, thru 8/16/26. Photo: Dan Norman

Since this story is less of a “Who dunnit?”, and more of a “Will he get away with it?”, it’s captivating for us as the audience. We’re in on the secrets and witness the action, but not all the characters are. We wonder who’s gonna get it next. We watch the detective slowly piece the puzzle together. And, honestly, sit on the edge of our seats throughout. Hatcher’s witty dialogue and colorful characters keep us engaged the entire time. We laugh. We cry. We sigh. And, occasionally someone in the audience voices a reaction out loud!

Steve Hendrickson, Peter Christian Hansen, Neal Beckman, and Anna Beth Baker in The Butler Did It by Jeffrey Hatcher, Directed by David Ira Goldstein, at Park Square Theatre, thru 8/16/26. Photo: Dan Norman

The setting, designed by Benjamin Olsen, is of the library and dining area of a gorgeous old manor house. Some fun hidden areas are built in, adding surprise and atmosphere to the play. A few things, like the 1970’s stereo, put you in the right decade. Wonderful lighting, by Karen Olson, and sound effects, by Frederick Kennedy give you all the spooky chills. Warning: You do hear simulated gunshots and explosions. A few of us might have jumped a little during those! Fabulous costumes that fit both the period and the characters by Mathew J. LeFebvre – butler attire, tuxedos, flowing dresses, and 1970’s style casual wear. So fun.

Peter Christian Hansen in The Butler Did It by Jeffrey Hatcher, Directed by David Ira Goldstein, at Park Square Theatre, thru 8/16/26. Photo: Dan Norman

David Ira Goldstein directs this wonderful, new play in a classic “Columbo” style. In the Author’s Notes, Hatcher writes that he wrote an episode for the 1990’s reboot of Columbo, called “Ashes to Ashes.” He had another idea in mind, The Butler Did It, but the show went off the air before he could write it. This play has simmered in his mind all these years, and has come to life on the stage at Park Square Theatre. During the post-play discussion, the actors said it was a thrill to work on a new play with Hatcher and Goldstein. They formed a special bond while creating this story together. 

Pearce Bunting, Steve Hendrickson, Peter Christian Hansen, Anna Beth Baker in The Butler Did It by Jeffrey Hatcher, Directed by David Ira Goldstein, at Park Square Theatre, thru 8/16/26. Photo: Dan Norman

You can be some of the first audiences to see this marvelous new play The Butler Did It, by Jeffrey Hatcher, at the Park Square Theatre, through August 16, 2026. And, stay tuned. Park Square Theatre has commissioned Hatcher to write four more mysteries for their summer mystery series, and we have it on authority that Inspector Denise will be making another appearance. 

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Describe the qualities of a great detective. Who are some of your favorites from film, television, or books?