The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 by John Bishop is a comedic murder-mystery play set in the lavish library of an eccentric, wealthy woman’s mansion in Chappaqua, New York. The play cleverly parodies 1940s murder mysteries and the theatrical world of Broadway.

The story begins as a group of theater professionals gathers for a backers’ audition—a reading to secure funding for a new musical.  Unbeknownst to most, the gathering is a ruse to unmask the “Stage Door Slasher,” a serial killer who had previously murdered three chorus girls involved in another show.

As a blizzard traps everyone inside the mansion, strange events begin to unfold. Secret passageways, unexpected disappearances, and a rising body count heighten the tension and comedy. The characters, all archetypes of 1940s personalities, struggle to uncover the killer’s identity while contending with slapstick misunderstandings, witty dialogue, and exaggerated theatrics.

The play’s humor comes from its rapid-fire quips, over-the-top characters, and the absurdity of the situations they find themselves in. By the final act, the killer is revealed in a chaotic and farcical climax, leaving the audience both amused and satisfied.