STAGE REVIEWS : A Lifeless ‘Sound of Murder’ : Languid pacing, an obvious plot and so-so acting scar this production by the Westminster Community Theatre.

Even the best whodunit demands crisp pacing--murder and mayhem don’t dawdle, and neither should a play about them.

The Westminster Community Theatre has revived William Fairchild’s “The Sound of Murder,” a mystery that isn’t really that good to begin with. The plotting is predictable, the characters stock and there’s little redeeming wit that customarily energizes this genre. “The Sound of Murder” doesn’t demand a brisk staging; it begs for it.

Unfortunately, director Karla Abrams lets everything stroll along. Her intention may be revelatory; she may feel that a certain deliberateness will bring out a depth to Fairchild’s people and their motivations. But the play’s lack of originality is made clear instead.

The story is this: A mean-spirited but successful author (Tom Hardy) of children’s books lives in a country cottage with his frustrated wife (Maddie Hyland), who has guiltily taken on a lover (Don Johnson). When the writer refuses to divorce her (he thinks the bad publicity will hurt book sales), they decide to kill him.

After the deed is done, “The Sound of Murder” is supposed to get tricky and teasing, but the “surprises” are, more often than not, just obvious plot turns. For instance, some funny business with a tape recorder is apparent long before it’s exposed to us.

As for the acting, well, it’s not the most subtle. But at least a couple of the performances are amusing (Hardy’s and Laurie LeBlanc’s as a loyal, man-hungry secretary). LeBlanc is way over the top, but it’s entertaining in a scenery-chewing way. Hardy may be the most adept of the cast, and it’s interesting how he puts his character’s evil side in such high relief. He does indulge in too many grandiose gestures and bulgy-eyed looks, though.

Hyland and Johnson aren’t convincing at all with what amounts to parodies (whether intentional or not, it’s hard to say) of a devious, near-hysterical love match.

‘THE SOUND OF MURDER’

A Westminster Community Theatre production of William Fairchild’s play. Directed by Karla Abrams. With Tom Hardy, Maddie Hyland, Don Johnson, Laurie LeBlanc, Gayle Morton and Aaron Abrams. Set and sound by Bronson. Lighting by Steve Carlock. Plays Friday and Saturday at 8:30 p.m. and this Sunday at 2 p.m. through June 8 at 7272 Maple St., Westminster. Tickets: $5 to $7. (714) 527-8463.