It was a steamy, hot and rainy Florida afternoon when HE appeared at the Theatre Conspiracy office. He stood their reeking of Lucky Strikes and stale coffee; obviously this man had faced his share of dames and demons. It was Dick Piston, Hotel Detective, back to start the summer off with a bang and conclude our 10th Anniversary season. Back by popular demand is the hilarious comedy, THE ADVENTURES OF DICK PISTON, HOTEL DETECTIVE: PRAGUE-NOSIS.

Some valuable family jewels are missing, and a glamorous Czech movie star, an international jewel thief, a clairvoyant lounge performer and a man with no pants are all stirring up trouble at the Lakeview Hotel.

It is one man's job to get to the bottom of their hijinx and recover the family jewels, and that man is Piston, Dick Piston. This gumshoe is a surly sleuth who will work tirelessly to be sure that good prevails and bad "Czechs" out in a hurry.

This show is a send-up of the classic black and white detective stories of the big screen. Comic metaphor and innuendo abound, along with internal monologue and moody music. The combination will drive you into fits of laughter.

This hilarious take-off on film noir style detective stories features a who's who of Theatre Conspiracy favorites. Artistic Director, Bill Taylor (Barrymore, Murderer) hits the stage as the prickly yet persistent Piston. Lisa Marie (House of Blue Leaves, Sylvia), Clement Valentine (Vampire Lesbians of Sodom, The Turn of The Screw), Jim Yarnes (The Play about the Baby, Sylvia) and Leanne Braman (Death Defying Acts) are all hilarious as the strange and mysterious inhabitants of the Lakeview Hotel.

Join Piston and the gang as they take on this crazy case. Performances run May 20 through June 5 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 pm, with matinees the first two Sundays at 2 pm. Tickets are $16 or $7 for students. For tickets and more information please call 936-3239.