When 'Perfect Crime' Isn’t So Perfect: My Off-Broadway Whodunit Misfire in NYC

There’s something magical about New York City at night. Even if you’re there for work, the city somehow dares you to do something spontaneous, like catch an off-Broadway play you’ve never heard of, just because the poster promises murder, mystery, and a twist you won’t see coming.

That’s exactly what I did on a recent trip to the city that never sleeps. With a free evening and a quick Google search for discounted same-day theater tickets, I stumbled across Perfect Crime, billed as the longest-running play in New York City history.

A thriller? Set in a wealthy psychiatrist’s home? With a suspicious death, a handsome detective, and a tangled web of lies? At just $30? Say less.

As a certified lover of Law & Order, Clue, Knives Out, and anything that makes you second-guess the killer, you bet I was intrigued. The description promised a “sexy, funny, fast-paced thriller.” I imagined a stage version of Only Murders in the Building meets Sherlock, with a little Hitchcock flair.

But, unfortunately, the only thing criminal was how let down I felt by the end of Act I.

Let’s start with the positives: the opening scene was solid. Genuinely chilling, with an almost horror movie-style setup. If the show had continued with that level of suspense and energy, I might be writing a rave review right now.

Sadly, the thrills ended there.

Catherine Russell, who has apparently starred in the show since the Reagan administration (no joke), plays Margaret Brent, the psychiatrist at the center of the mystery. While I admire her dedication to the role, something felt… off. Every line was delivered with her eyes closed, which made it tough to connect with her emotionally, or even figure out what she was trying to communicate.

There was also a supposed romance (or maybe just flirtation?) between Brent and Inspector James Ascher, played by Adam Bradley. But the chemistry was nonexistent, and the age gap made things feel uncomfortable rather than compelling.

By intermission, I had my answer: this wasn’t the perfect crime, it was a perfect opportunity to sneak out and grab a slice of late-night pizza instead.

Would I recommend Perfect Crime to mystery lovers visiting NYC? Honestly… probably not. But would I recommend going off-script on your next work trip and seeing something totally random in the city that never sleeps? Absolutely. Because even when the show’s a flop, the story you walk away with is always worth it.