Jack Chansler is Fernand and Tamra Witten plays Monique in thriller opening Friday.

We all have our little problems. Take Fernand. He’s suicidally depressed and in love with his doctor, who also happens to be his wife’s best friend.

What he does about that forms the plot of “Monique,” a suspense thriller opening Friday at the Sierra Madre Playhouse.

The production’s director, Roxanne Barker, finds the play by Dorothy and Michael Blankfort, adapted from a novel by Pierre Boileau and Thomas Narcejac, riveting.

“Someone offered it to me to direct, and I read it and couldn’t put it down,” she said. “I couldn’t guess the events before they developed. The characters are really well developed. There’s a lot of interpretation that can be put on it.”

Barker did not want to say exactly what her interpretation was, however.

“It’s one of those where I don’t want to say too much about it, because it involves a twist at the end. Nothing is cut and dried, and there are some red herrings for the audience. I haven’t messed with the lines, but I have put in different blocking and different business,” based on her view of the characterizations.

“That’s what I like about directing,” said Barker, “how you shape the story. You have to be concerned that the audience does not guess, so the pacing has to be kept up. There are certain things you have to put in. Timing is critical, just like in comedy.”

She did say that Fernand and Monique, the doctor, team up to do in Lucienne, Fernand’s wife, with a sedative that will not show up in an autopsy.

“It’s the old theatrical device sedative,” Barker said.

The curtain rises at 8 p.m. in the venue at 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. The play will be performed Friday and Saturday nights through Feb. 20. There is one Thursday night performance on Feb. 18, also at 8 p.m. Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. will be on Jan. 24, 31 and Feb. 7. Tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for students and seniors, $4.50 for children 12 and under. Call 818-355-4318 for reservations.