The Alley Theatre's continues its summer season with Anthony Shaffer's Sleuth, beginning previews Aug. 1 and running Aug. 2-7.

The "SummerChills" series is the Alley's annual summertime series of fun, lighthearted productions at lower prices, for the entire family to enjoy. Agatha Christie's The Unexpected Guest, was the first part of the series and ran in July.

The action of this whodunit takes place in an English Country house owned by a famous mystery writer. A young guest walks in and the two engage in a drink and pleasant conversation, things get sticky when the host says, "I understand you want to marry my wife". The two are locked in a mortal encounter that includes murders, suspense, and an unsolvable crime. Shaffer's take on the classic mystery genre, even comes complete with a surprise ending.

Winner of the 1996 Tony for outstanding regional theatre (as recommended by the American Theatre Critics Association), the Alley Theatre has produced such works as 1990's Jekyll & Hyde (which later toured and now runs on Broadway), and Robert Wilson's Hamlet, A Monologue. In 1998, they will co-produce a "lost" Tennessee Williams work, Not About Nightingales, with London's National Theatre.

Call (713) 228-9341 for more information on the Alley Theatre or visit the regional theatre listing at Playbill On-Line. --By Sean McGrath