If you are a mystery fan, you may have heard of our playwright, Stuart M. Kaminsky. Kaminsky writes several popular mystery series including those featuring Lew Fonesca, Abe Lieberman, Toby Peters and Inspector Porfiry Petrovich Rostnikov. He has written sixty-three published novels, eight produced screenplays, episodes for television series, five biographies, more than 30 published short stories, and a collection of poetry. His play, Books, was nominated for an Edgar Allan Poe Award in 2008. He is a Grand Master of The Mystery Writers of America and recognition of his work includes an Edgar Award for Best Novel, the Prix de Roman D’Venture of France, the Presidents Award of the American Culture Association and the John D. MacDonald Award.

Kaminsky has a B.S. degree in Journalism and Communication and an M.A. in English Literature, both from the University of Illinois where he was on the soccer and wrestling teams. He earned a Ph.D. in Communications from Northwestern University where he taught for 16 years before moving to Florida where he taught at Florida State University for six years.

The Final Toast came to our attention when we were researching mystery plays, and came across the website for the International Mystery Writers’ Festival, which is held at RiverPark Center in Owensboro, Kentucky. Kaminsky’s play, which premiered at the 2008 IMWF at RiverPark Center, won the 2008 Angie Award for Best Playwright at the festival. In our quest to bring professional theatre back to Tacoma, we wanted to start with a play that was fresh and new, yet something that would entice wary audiences to return. A new Sherlock Holmes play by a well-known author seemed to be a good choice. Inquiries were made, talks began, and the result is what you will see beginning Friday night, when The Final Toast makes its west coast premiere at Theatre on the Square in Tacoma.

We are honored to be able to host Mr. Kaminsky himself at our opening night gala. He and his wife will see the performance Friday night. I am thrilled to report that our opening night is now a sold out performance (I pause for a little happy-dance here), but if you don’t have tickets, there is another opportunity to meet with our playwright. The Pierce County Library FRIENDS of Lakewood Library is hosting an opportunity to meet and talk with author Stuart Kaminsky during a free event at Lakewood Pierce County Library, 6300 Wildaire Road S.W. on Sunday, Feb. 15, 1 p.m. Stuart will discuss his works, including his new play.

Mr. Kaminsky will sign books at Barnes & Noble in the Lakewood Towne Center following the book discussion.

As I said, opening night is now sold out, and Saturday, February 14 is nearly sold out. To those of you who have purchased tickets already, words cannot express how happy you have made us. To those of you who have not yet made plans to see the play, good seats are still available for the other 5 performances, but tickets are selling fast.