About the Play:

Little Mercy's First Murder won six 2003 Dora Mavor Moore Awards, including Best New Musical

Little Mercy's First Murder is a full-length comedy musical with book and lyrics by Morwyn Brebner and an award-winning score by Jay Turvey and Paul Sportelli. Weegee, crime photographer extraordinaire, is the first to arrive at the scene of Big Mercy's murder. The only suspect is her 31-year-old spinster virgin daughter, Little Mercy, who flees with Weegee to embark on a musical whirlwind tour of 1940s Manhattan, jumping from crime scene to crime scene, and bringing the audience along for the ride in Morwyn Brebner's hit play – the first-ever film noir / social drama / musical comedy!

Little Mercy's First Murder focuses on a celebrity crime photographer Weegee and Little Mercy Callaghan whose mother has been murdered. Set in New York City in 1942, the play opens at the scene of the murder of Little Mercy's mother. Little Mercy, a 31-year-old virgin, is presumed guilty and Weegee shows up to document it all on film. With Weegee's help, Mercy flees the crime scene and together they embark on an all-night fugitive adventure. Little Mercy Callaghan has led a sheltered life. Everything is new to her: from a four-alarm fire to a high society gala … and a nightclub where the floor show isn't the only entertainment. During the course of her fugitive night with Weegee they tackle weighty ideas (the purpose of knowledge, the futility of love) with refreshing wit. An hilarious romp from one of Canadian theatre's truly original voices, Little Mercy's First Murder celebrates an awakening to the world in all its seedy magnificence.

Little Mercy's First Murder was first performed in 2002 at Tarragon Theatre in Toronto, and wowed the theatre community, which bestowed it with seven Dora Awards.. The play has enjoyed several very successful productions elsewhere in Canada and made it's American debut at the New York Fringe Festival in 2006.

Cast: 2 women, 4 men

What people say:

"Little Mercy's First Murder is a sharp script...The tunes are perfectly suited to the edge in Brebner's sharp lyrics." — NOW Magazine

"Little Mercy's First Murder is, by turns, hilarious yet sweetly poignant as it seeks to portray one unforgettable night experienced by two lonely hearts in the Big Apple. Not usually a fan of musicals? Go see Little Mercy's First Murder. It just might change your mind.." — Calgary Herald

"Utterly brilliant … a delightful show." — EYE Weekly

"Exceedingly clever songs sprinkled throughout, some pure fun and others deeply moving, making the play fresh and exciting." — Canadian Literature

"Dark and delicious." — Vancouver Sun

About the Playwright:

Morwyn Brebner is a graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada's playwriting program. She is co-creator of the ABC/Global series Rookie Blue and was a playwright-in-residence at Tarragon Theatre in Toronto.