Long before the sensational trials of O.J. Simpson or Charles Manson, there was a murder mystery in Fall River, Mass., a crime so suddenly shocking it still haunts historians, legal experts and the general public a century later.

Did a New England spinster named Lizzie Borden kill her father and stepmother with a hatchet on the afternoon of Aug. 4, 1892, in the family’s home? Or was she singled out by a bad case of circumstances? No conclusive evidence of a murder weapon or bloodied clothes was ever found at the scene to incriminate Borden, so she was acquitted of the charges after a highly publicized trial. Today, Lizzie Borden’s fame has become legendary in pop culture.

This weekend, Smoky Mountain Community Theatre in Bryson City delves into this notorious chapter of 19th century history with “Lizzie Borden of Fall River.” The play, written by Tim Kelly and directed by Toby Allman, is being produced by a special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc.

The setting of the play takes place at the Borden residence in Fall River, Mass. Each character somehow finds himself or herself tied to the tragedy, and details surrounding the murders create a tension and suspense that will leave the audience guessing as to which side to believe.

Did Lizzie deviously plan the murders and dispose of the evidence so neatly that no one would find it? Or was she the victim of some horrible fate? Why did she try to purchase prussic acid (cyanide) shortly before the murders, and why did the entire Borden household become violently sick in the days leading up to the murders? Why was Lizzie’s testimony inconsistent? Did family disputes over a contested will give her motive to commit such a heinous crime? Or did others have just as much reason to commit the murders?

“It’s a story that’s fascinated the public for a hundred years,” said Toby Allman. “People are still trying to figure it out — did she do it?”

Like UFO’s and other unexplained phenomena, an unsolved murder case draws people’s attention because we naturally want to have the answers, Allman explained.

Adding to the mystery, the murders in the play will take place off stage (with a little sound effects and some screams to accentuate the horror), but much of the play centers around the dynamics of the Borden family and the townspeople.

For Rebecca Crockett, who plays the role of Lizzie Borden, the play is a chance to tackle a complex character. She normally tends to play “good guy” roles, Allman said, but he’s been impressed with how well she stepped into a different kind of role.

“Trying to get into the head of someone like that is, I guess, fascinating in a way,” Crockett said.

Even after doing some research and learning more about Lizzie and her family, Crockett is still not convinced that Lizzie is the one to blame for the murders — lots of maybe’s but no concrete evidence that establishes Lizzie at the scene of the crime.

“It’s really just as puzzling to me as it was before,” Crockett said.

Doing a murder mystery can be quite a departure for some actors who normally like to ham it up in comedies. Judy Allman, who has played goofy maids running around on stage in past shows with Smoky Mountain Community Theatre, had to tone down her antics for this more serious production, which her husband is directing.

“It takes a little more preparation,” said Allman, who plays Aunt Vinnie.

Aunt Vinnie gets cheated out of some property by Lizzie Borden’s father, Andrew, and has her own motive for wanting to see him cut out of the picture. Apparently, there were plenty of others Andrew had cheated or treated unkindly.

Judy Allman, who enjoys watching episodes of TV’s “Forensic Files,” isn’t so sure that Lizzie Borden should have been singled out as a murderer.

“The jury is still out,” Allman said.

See for yourself when Smoky Mountain Community Theatre presents its latest drama, “Lizzie Borden of Fall River.”

“Lizzie Borden of Fall River” will run July 18-20 and July 25-28 with all shows beginning at 7:30 p.m. The last show on July 28 is on a Monday night, a nod to local residents who may be busy during the weekend dates.

The play is being staged by Smoky Mountain Community Theater in Bryson City. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 12. Children under age 6 are free. The box office opens one hour before showtime.

For more information, call Toby Allman at 828.508.6645 or 828.488.8103 or go to www.smctheatre.com to get updates about upcoming shows and tryouts.