THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, November 18, 1995 TAG: 9511181622
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines
wacky (wak'ee) adj. Erratic, eccentric, irrational, ``The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940.''
Picture this: A Nazi, a cross-dresser, a spy, a federal agent, a semi-gay person, a cop who is not really a cop, an Irishman who is not really an Irishman and a killer.
They are all in the library of a Chappaqua, N.Y., mansion belonging to Elsa Von Grossenknueten, backer of plays. They are artists auditioning for her, hoping she will back their latest effort.
The plot thickens as the cast thins. Several of them are killed. Who? Why? Visit the Gallery and find out.
It is definitely worth a visit. ``The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940'' is a hilarious spoof of the murder-mysteries of the big screen and the small stage in the `30s and `40s.
If you are not into laughing, stay home and eat a bologna sandwich. If you enjoy almost nonstop laughter, get to the Gallery.
The play is one of those productions that requires excellent timing, quick movement, a lot of physical comedy.
Director Darin Mize has his cast moving at a breakneck speed. And what a wonderful cast it is - a mix of stage veterans and newcomers, all performing like pros.
The characters, who are quite different from each other, are beautifully defined by playwright John Bishop, and the local performers.
They are all so good, it almost seems cruel to point to standouts. Here goes, anyway.
The Rev. Phillip Glick, pastor of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, portrays Patrick O'Reilly in much the same way as he would have been portrayed by members of Monty Python's Flying Circus.
Here is a justifiably exaggerated portrayal with physical movement and facial expressions that make you wish he was onstage more than he is. This is masterful satire.
And, there is Mary Harrell portraying songwriter Bernice Roth with a large voice that goes around the block. Speaking of wonderful movements, check this scene-stealing character.
Good-sized kudos also to Ed Copeland's charming portrait of comedian Eddie McCuen and to Pat Magette for her Ethel Barrymore-like portrayal of Ms. Grossenknueten.
Everyone involved deserves mention. Tony Babb offers a marvelous, not-too-exaggerated portrayal of Roger Hopewell; Irma Bond gives a beautifully understated look at Nikk Crandall, a sort-of typical actress of the 1940s.
Mickey Schroeder scores as Marjorie Baverstock, highlighted by an unusual death scene; Darryl Futrell does well as Officer Michael Kelly.
A performer whose last name is Woodson is excellent. Telling you more would be a plot giveaway.
While credits are being handed out, many must go to the crew responsible for the excellent set with all its secret passageways.
You get the picture.
``The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940'' is about as much fun as a body can stand - even the dead ones onstage. by CNB