DANVILLE — Even if you’ve seen the 1944 Gene Tierney film version of “Laura,” it’s worth your time to see the live production by the Red Mask Players, which is different from the movie.

“And people who’ve seen the film may have forgotten ‘who did it’ anyway,” said the play’s director, Bev Nees.

The Red Mask Players will present this noir (dark) mystery by Vera Caspary and George Sklar as its winter show on Jan. 14-16, 21-23 and 28-29 at the Kathryn Randolph Theatre, 601 N. Vermilion.

Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m., and Sunday matinees start at 2 p.m.

“‘Laura’ is a very enjoyable and entertaining mystery that will keep the audience guessing who the murderer is up until the very end,” Nees said.

“We have a cast of mostly veteran actors who are very good in their roles.”

Nees has been with Red Mask for 22 years, playing numerous roles and directing three plays prior to “Laura.”

“I’m a true mystery buff,” Nees said, “so that’s why I’m really excited to direct this play. Rehearsals are going very well, and we’ll be ready for opening night.”

The play lasts two hours, including two 10-minute intermissions.

Jim Crain plays the role of detective Mark McPherson in the show. “‘Laura’ is a very well-written play, and we have an excellent director and cast,” Crain said.

Crain said it was challenging to get a feel for his role as McPherson in the play, but he is comfortable playing the detective part by now. “I studied all the detective characters that I knew about in order to prepare for this role,” he added.

Crain most recently acted in the Red Mask production of “Inherit the Wind.” He moved back to Danville two years ago after living in Florida and performing on stage there for many years.

“I’m thrilled to be back in Danville and acting with the Red Mask Players,” Crain said, “and I especially enjoy doing mysteries.”

The plot of the murder mystery “Laura” goes like this: When Mark McPherson first falls in love with Laura, he knows he’s in love with a phantom, because Laura is dead and he’s in charge of her murder investigation.

From her portrait, her letters, her personal effects and from his contacts with the three men who love her, Mark has created an image of a woman who is tantalizing, alive and real.

This is just the beginning of a convoluted love and mystery story that promises to keep the audience guessing at every turn.

Cast members include Crain as Mark McPherson; Jeffrey Miller as Danny Dorgan; J. Edward DeVore as Waldo Lydecker; Jeff Romig as Shelby Carpenter; Gaye Garner as Bessie Clary; Allison Jordon as Mrs. Dorgan; Jamie DeVore as A Girl, Laura Hunt; and Mark Wolfe as Olsen.

Nees is the play’s director and Garner is stage manager. Co-producers are Donna Sant and Sue Harden.

Scholarship

Red Mask is accepting applications for the 2011 Jean Lewis Scholarship. Local high school seniors and community college students who are theater majors or who have expressed an interest in pursuing a field directly related to the theater are encouraged to apply. Completed applications must be postmarked on or before April 8.

For more information, visit the Web site http://www.redmaskplayers.com.

IF YOU GO

The Red Mask Players will present the murder mystery “Laura” on Jan. 14-16, 21-23, and 28-29 at the Kathryn Randolph Theatre, 601 N. Vermilion. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10 for students. To make reservations call the box office at 442-5858. Tickets also may be purchased at the theater from 6-8 p.m. Thursday.