Killing Me Softly

by Gloria J. Browne-Marshall

A Murder Mystery in two acts set in 1980s. The ambitious hard-driven civil rights attorney John Power wants his son John Jr. to be mayor of Kansas City, MO. When John Power, Sr. dies suddenly of rat poison everyone in his law office becomes a suspect. Attorney turned amateur detective Rita Davis must discover 'who did it' before the town erupts in violence.

A Murder Mystery in two acts set in 1980s. The ambitious hard-driven civil rights attorney John Power wants his son John Jr. to be mayor of Kansas City, MO. When John Power, Sr. dies suddenly of rat poison everyone in his law office becomes a suspect. Attorney turned amateur detective Rita Davis must discover 'who did it' before the town erupts in violence.

  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Library

Killing Me Softly

Recommended by

  • Tom Erb: Killing Me Softly by Gloria J. Browne-Marshall
    “

    "Killing Me Softly," is a masterful play by Gloria J. Browne-Marshall. Set in the 1980s, this courtroom drama unfolds in Kansas City, where ambition and secrets collide. With its rich characters and suspenseful plot, it's a compelling exploration of the human condition. A must-see for anyone who cherishes thought-provoking theatre that resonates long after the final curtain."

    "Killing Me Softly," is a masterful play by Gloria J. Browne-Marshall. Set in the 1980s, this courtroom drama unfolds in Kansas City, where ambition and secrets collide. With its rich characters and suspenseful plot, it's a compelling exploration of the human condition. A must-see for anyone who cherishes thought-provoking theatre that resonates long after the final curtain."

    ”
  • Kate Danley: Killing Me Softly by Gloria J. Browne-Marshall
    “

    A noir murder mystery featuring an all POC cast? Yes, please! Fantastic, moody writing. Great characters. Twists and turns abound! I didn't figure out whodunit until it was revealed. If you love Mousetrap, you'll love this play. A great addition to any theatre's season!

    A noir murder mystery featuring an all POC cast? Yes, please! Fantastic, moody writing. Great characters. Twists and turns abound! I didn't figure out whodunit until it was revealed. If you love Mousetrap, you'll love this play. A great addition to any theatre's season!

    ”
JOHN POWER, SR is an elderly but energetic businessman with a strong presence.

JOHN POWER, JR (30s) is the image of his father, but insecure. He is struggling with his sexuality and place in the world.

RITA DAVIS (30s) is very smart but the death of her mother left her afraid of personal relationships. She always wears black.

DETECTIVE CALVIN ARMSTRONG (30s) is an ambitious police detective who fashions himself after the television crime shows with a bulldog treachery. Rita and arrogance are his weaknesses.

JESTER (Jestuh) JACKSON is an elderly man with a youthful down home disposition and a mysterious limp who hides both love and rage with jokes.

DIXIE CROSS (60s) with "old school" of manners is a dedicated secretary to John Power.

VERONIQUE STONE (20s) is a hard-edged and ambitious woman with talent from the wrong side of town.

-Note: (All characters are African-American) (Non-traditional casting can be used ONLY for Detective Armstrong, Jester and Dixie!)

Development History

  • Workshop, Frank Silvera's Writers' Workshop in Harlem, NY,

Production History

  • Professional, UpStage Theatre in Baton Rouge, LA, 2012
  • Professional, Eta Theater in Chicago, 2002
  • Professional, Kuntu Repertory Theater in Pittsburgh, PA, 2002
  • Professional, Billie Holiday Theater in Brooklyn, New York, 1999