Plot twists and surprising turns pepper "Night Watch," a Hitchcock-style murder mystery by Lucille Fletcher.  Directed by David Alan Morrison, Red Curtain Productions presents an eerie quest into the depths of a woman's warped mind through Feb. 13 at the Historic Everett Theatre.

When Elaine Wheeler, played by Jennifer Michael, professes she's witnessed a murder in the building next door to her, she is overrun with doubters. Her husband reminds Elaine of her incessant insomnia and a previous traumatic experience, and her house guest and best friend, Blanche, declares she must be suffering from manifested scenes created by her own mind and experiences.

No one trusts poor Elaine's judgment except the household's nosy but faithful maid. The character of Helga, played by Jennifer Price, provides much comic relief as she pokes and prods into the life of the wealthy Wheelers.

The audience gets the feeling there may be two scenarios going on. Elaine Wheeler may be suffering from a bout of nerves, or a much more sinister plot could be unraveling. Elaine's own husband, John, played by Thomas A. Glass, could be "gas-lighting" Elaine, making her appear crazy even if she is telling the truth.

The eerie score of "Frere Jacques," sung by innocent school children, places the audience members in Elaine's frenzied thoughts. The play starts out with Elaine singing the song. She remarks in one scene how she recalls hearing the singing of children as young girl:

"Frere Jacque, frère jacque, dormez-vous, dormez-vous."

As Elaine dreamily sings the childhood song, the audience may take the side of her doubtful family. Is Elaine really going crazy? Does she really need the services of psychiatrist Dr. Tracy Lake, played by Mary Kay Voss?

No one knows until the end of the play which character is truly insane or a criminal mastermind. Is the waspish John Wheeler really as concerned as he seems? Who is this devoted friend Blanche? Is the trusting Helga really so trusting? What about the neighbor Appleby, played with great humor by David W. Foster, who keeps appearing in Elaine's confusing and emotional days and nights? The audience is kept guessing about which character is in charge of this plot or simply its casualty.

One thing is for sure: crusty Lieutenant Walker, played like a Hollywood film noir character by John Chapman, is tired of Elaine Wheeler's antics. Lieutenant Walker has had his fill of nervous housewives.

Observe "Night Watch" as it unveils itself at the Historic Everett Theatre at 2911 Colby Avenue in downtown Everett. Weekend performances continue through Feb. 13, with admission prices of $15 for adults and $12 for seniors, students and military personnel. Advance tickets are available through www.brownpapertickets.com or the theatre's box office, (425) 258-6766.

For more information about "Night Watch," or to learn about involvement in the arts in Snohomish County, check out the Red Curtain Foundation at www.redcurtainfoundation.org.