Wanting to avoid bad publicity, "the patients conduct their own investigation amid power blackouts, sightings of phantom figures on the terrace outside, and enigmatic messages on the doctor's answering machine.

In an interview with Anthony Shaffer, Sondheim shared the background of the play: "In Getting Away With Murder, I started from what I wanted for a first-act curtain.

"[2] The play was originally produced in 1995 at the Old Globe Theatre (San Diego) as The Doctor Is Out, from September 10 to October 21, directed by Jack O'Brien.

The Variety reviewer wrote of the Old Globe production: "Ultimately though, the focus of this show is on the two authors, who use a conventional murder-mystery form to create a darkly humorous exploration of evil and corruption.

"[6] Stefanie Buettner, in commentary for The Sondheim Review wrote: "The actors, who are all about as big a Broadway star as one can be nowadays, make for a terrific ensemble cast, the set is spectacular, and there is even some appropriately creepy background music.