It has long been a question among some scholars that William Shakespeare may not really be the person who wrote all of those plays, poetry and sonnets.

The Astute Detective is Theodore Androclitus Demetrius Maxwell (just call him Tad), a former Oxford Professor whose expertise on Shakespeare has given him reason to denounce the Bard’s claims to all of the aforementioned works. Having grown tired of his previous occupation, Maxwell gave up his profession and is now a detective (a dazzling performance by Chris DeCarlo).

Enter Elizabeth Shakespeare (the charming Pia Pownall) who presents Will’s will making her, in her mind, his rightful heir and requesting his help in obtaining the proof of her credentials. Arguing against Elizabeth as to who really did all of this writing, Tad is able to summon up men of the past to prove his point in the names of Edward DeVere, 17th Earl of Oxford, Dean Malcom Danforth and Professor Phillip Harcourt, all salaciously performed by James Schendel. Since these two characters are not in sync, trouble brews and they end up in a round of sword fighting. But since Ross wrote a romantic comedy, when all cools down, romance takes over and it doesn’t seem to matter whether it was Shakespeare or ?

By the by, Chris DeCarlo, besides being a talented actor is also the Co-Director of the Santa Monica Playhouse along with his beautiful and talented Co-Director Wife, Evelyn Rudie. Evelyn also happens to be the very fine director of this fun and entertaining play. Enjoy it at the Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 Fourth St., in Santa Monica, playing Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 6 PM, through October 24, 2010. For tickets, call (310) 394-9779, ext.1.