Musical Comedy Of Murders Review

John M. Valdez, PPAG Reviewer

Do you remember what you were doing in April 1987? I was in a rush to prepare for my high school graduation. OUCH! Meanwhile “The Musical Comedy of Murders of 1940” was premiering on Broadway in New York. Its author John Bishop directed it. The show is a tribute to the sylish and intricate murder mysteries of the 1940’s. The complex murders that only seem to happen in the dark mansions of rich and important people. Shocking murders, which can be solved only by great men like Sherlock Holmes and Phillip Marlowe.

The Impossible Players continued their 2008 season on Thursday Feb. 19th as it opened its production of this intriguing farce. The sparse but supportive crowd enjoyed the show their enjoyment was helped by the energy and skill of the actors on stage.

The entire play takes place in the Chappaqua, New York Mansion of Ms. Elsa Von Grosseknueten. Acted brilliantly by Mandie Victor. She has invited a group of theatre people to her home in the guise of an audition. Many are connected to a notorious unsolved sling of murders in traveling show called Manhattan Holiday.

While there two murders take place. As the play progresses we learn more and more about the characters each of whom has reason to be the infamous Stage Door Slasher. We are kept on the edge of our seats in wonder till the end of the show.

The cast seemed to have a bit of opening night jitters and for a while it was a struggle to hear some of the dialogue, and the comic timing was a bit off. But all recovered very nicely. As the cast grew more comfortable in their roles the laughter and excitement became stronger.

The standouts in the show were Mandie mentioned above. She took the role of the wealthy patroness with too much time on her hands to heart and shined. Listening to Mr. Jack Passante Jr. playing with a number of accents was a gem. Playing two great theatre clichés of the writers were Therese Simony as Bernice Roth and Steve Adams as Roger Hopewell. Both seemed to relish and enjoy their roles. The major sparkle of the stage last night was Adelita Fierro as Helga. Without giving anything away her range on stage was a joy to watch.

The show can be seen Feb. 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28. All show times are 8:00 pm doors will open at 7:30. Tickets are $10 for Adults, $7 for seniors and members of the Military, and $5 for students. Tickets may be purchased at the door or call 719-542-6969 to make reservations.