Writing with a partner can get a person killed -- at least it does in Edward Taylor's Murder by Misadventure, which ends its scheduled run Feb. 7 on the New American Theatre's mainstage in Rockford, IL. Previews began Jan. 12 for an official opening Jan. 15.

NAT drama teacher and actress Gail Dartez directs the thriller that traces the twisted relationship between writing partners Harold Kent and Paul Riggs. Kent has wisely invested his earnings and lives in splendor with a beautiful wife in a paradise built on the site of a British sacrificial stone where "strange noises" can sometimes be heard. Riggs, on the other hand, spent his money on alcohol and women and lives in debt. Kent wants to break their partnership, but Riggs knows something about Kent that binds them together. Murder seems more and more like the only answer to their problems.

Peter Aylward (last season's The Business of Murder) returns to NAT as Harold Kent. Other NAT returnees include Adrianne Cury (Rumors) playing his wife, Emma; with Richard Raether (Picasso at the Lapin Agile) as Riggs and Daniel Rappaport (Picasso at the Lapin Agile) as the Inspector.

The design team includes Noel Rennerfeldt (set), Eric Stehl (lighting), Judy Johnson (costumes) and David Mauer (sound). Kathi Karol Johnson is the production stage manager with Lesley Anne Stone as her assistant.

Tickets are $21-$15 and are available by calling the New American box office at (815) 964-6282. The David W. Knapp Theatre at New American Theatre is located at 118 North Main Street. -- By Christine Ehren