DOWAGIAC — A small corner of Dowagiac has been transformed into a noir film set, as women walk around with coiffed hair and detectives saunter about in dapper suits, set to a background of thundering skies, moody lighting and period music.

While the city has not stumbled into a time machine, one local theater is turning the clock back to the 1940s.

The Beckwith Theatre, 100 New York Ave., Dowagiac, will be hosting “Laura,” a mystery-style play written by Vera Caspary and George Sklar, set in the 1940s. Showtimes will be at 7:30 p.m. Fridays May 11 and 18; 7:30 p.m. Saturdays May 12 and 19; and at 2 p.m. Sundays, May 13 and 20. Tickets are $15. The play is being sponsored by Judd Lumber and Bakeman Barbers.

The May 11 performance will be sponsored by Lazy Ballerina Winery, where free wine will be available. The May 18 performance will be sponsored by Sister Lakes Brewing Company, where free beer will be available.

“Laura” follows the character of Detective Mark McPherson as he investigates the murder of a woman named Laura. As he investigates her life, he begins to fall in love with the idea of her, but when she turns up alive, he must not only determine the killer, but also the victim.

Co-directors of the play Andi Creasbaum and Jennifer Shoemaker said that “Laura” is sure to keep the audience on their toes throughout its run time.

“There are so many twists and turns,” Shoemaker said. “It makes you feel off-center. It’s almost like you are part of the show, because you are trying to crack the case right along with the detective.”

Both Creasbaum and Shoemaker said that they did not guess who the killer was upon their first reading, adding that they hope the audience has the same experience.

“I want people to walk away from this play thinking, ‘I didn’t think that was who killed her.’ I want them to think, ‘I didn’t figure it out,’” Shoemaker said. “The surprise ending is truly a surprise.”

Creasebaum added that she believed the play would be a crowd pleaser, not only for the mystery aspect, but because it is apparent all the hard work the cast and crew has put into the play.

“It’s a really fun play that we have had a lot of fun with,” she said. “I hope people will see it and then go tell all their friends about it.”

Creasbaum and Shoemaker said they — along with their cast of eight — are excited about opening night, and that they hope the play will be well attended.

“It’s all coming together really well,” Shoemaker said. “We can’t wait. It’s going to be wonderful. I’m really excited about it.”

For more information, visit beckwiththeatre.com. To reserve seats, call (269) 782-7653.