Grab a cocktail and prepare to muddle your way through the mystery of “Flemming,” an American comedy turned thriller now running at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts.

Presented as a live radio broadcast, the play is a spoof of noir thrillers from the 1940s and 1950s and follows the story of Henry Flemming, a bored broker who sells his successful firm so he can pursue his passion of being a detective.

“Our radio actors will literally be acting as on-air personalities, script in hand as they deliver their lines,” WICA Executive Artistic Director Deana Duncan said, “and our sound effect actors will be creating an acoustic environment that will be a rich and immersive experience for audiences.”

“Flemming: An American Thriller” opened Friday on the WICA mainstage and runs until Feb. 22, culminating in Langley Mystery Weekend.

The award-winning play written by Sam Bobrick was brought to life by father-and-son duo, David and Orson Ossman.

“‘Flemming’ was a play we first encountered at the International Mystery Writers Festival in Owensboro, Kentucky,” David said, adding that Duncan was in the Kentucky show and had always wanted to do it again, bigger.

David takes a role in the WICA production as George Tirebiter — a character that’s been with him since the ‘70s — hosting the show in its entirety. His son, Orson, directs the actors.

“Orson and I write very well together, so it was great fun to go over the whole original, re-set it and, yes, have more jokes and surprises,” David said.

“I loved working with my dad through the entire process, adapting the script and conceiving our vision of the show beforehand allowed me to easily take the lead on directing actors in rehearsal,” Orson said. “But my goal was always to achieve the vision we had both discussed during the writing process.”

One unique element of the production is the use of live sound effects, called Foley after the sound effects artist who developed them in early filmmaking. Tony Brewer has been a freelance Foley artist in both live theater and film for the past 30 years. Like Duncan, he was also part of the original “Flemming” production that David Ossman adapted and directed in 2008. He has returned to reprise his role as a Foley artist.

“It’s hard work and my part doesn’t really come together until we are on stage, but we have a lot of fun at the Foley table,” Brewer said, adding that when everything is “clicking,” it turns into something closer to “live cinema.” He has performed Foley for other WICA productions before, including “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Jim Scullin, who plays the titular role of Henry Flemming, said feeling his character take form has been a blast. Suzi Dixon plays his character’s wife, Karen Flemming.

“I was not familiar with this show but was familiar with the genre and what these directors, the Ossmans, like to present, so was quite excited by the prospect of having a role in it,” Scullin said.

Over the years he has appeared in many other WICA productions, including “Accomplice,” “The Laramie Project,” “Frost/Nixon,” “The Kentucky Cycle,” “Sweeney Todd” and most recently, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” where he played the role of the angel Clarence.

Cerys Bishop, who plays Miss Havenhurst, said it has been a pleasure to portray such a vivacious woman. Like Scullin, Bishop was not familiar with “Flemming” beforehand.

“This show really dives into the dangers of alcoholism,” Bishop said.

Duncan noted that much like “Mad Men,” the play depicts a culture where alcohol and smoking were part of the work day and home life. Duncan herself takes on the role of Suzy Spencer. Costume designer Val Johnson brings the characters to life in a play set against the backdrop of live radio.

A specialty cocktail will be available throughout the show’s run. The production also coincides with Langley Mystery Weekend.

To purchase tickets, visit wicaonline.org. Prices vary based on day and time; Thursday performances are pay-what-you-can. Ages 18 and under enter for free.

(Photo by Whidbey Island Center for the Arts) David Ossman, one of the directors, takes a role in the WICA production as George Tirebiter — a character that’s been with him since the ‘70s — hosting the live broadcast show in its entirety.

(Photo by Whidbey Island Center for the Arts) Zachary Schneider, left, plays a Foley Assistant and Orson Ossman is the play’s writer and director.

(Photo by Whidbey Island Center for the Arts) The two stars of the show, Jim Scullin and Suzi Dixon play married couple Henry and Karen Flemming.

(Photo by Whidbey Island Center for the Arts) Max Cole-Takanikos plays Lt. Davis and dresses the part.

(Photo by Whidbey Island Center for the Arts) From left, Tony Brewer (Foley Artist), Zachary Schneider (Foley Assistant), Orson Ossman (writer/director) and Suzi Dixon (Karen Flemming) on the WICA stage.