ANYBODY FOR MURDER? run dates: 3/6/2008 - 3/16/2008 Playcrafters Barn Theatre, Moline ____________________________________________________________________________
It takes a certain kind of audience member to really love a show billed as "a comedy-mystery," and I cannot truly say that I fall within that category. Luckily for Playcrafters Barn Theatre – which is currently playing Brian Clemmons’ ANYBODY FOR MURDER? – there are plenty of people who do love this stuff.
(In fact, even the performance I attended opening weekend was virtually sold out, which bodes well for ticket sales for the remaining performances – and may mean you’ll have trouble getting your own tickets if you haven't made reservations yet.)
ANYBODY is a farce without the slamming doors, and though the setup is less than complex, this cute show is fun just the same. Director Patrick Adamson has put together a cast of performers that includes several with plenty of comedy experience, and their assured delivery blends well with that of some equally-seasoned actors. The result is lots of enjoyable (if often expected) plots and plot twists.
The setup, which concerns an opportunistic husband set on killing his wife for the insurance money, turns on him changing plans repeatedly as new things develop. For instance, the husband discovers his wife is about to inherit millions, then postpones his original plot to make sure she inherits first. Distant relatives who’ve just arrived have their own machinations in the works, and everything just deteriorates from there.
Christopher Tracy (who plays Max, the husband) keeps things moving along at a pretty good clip, playing Max with a gleeful, conniving nerdiness that is more snarky than mean-spirited. Only in this crowd could the character of Max be the samrt one, but he is, and Tracy’s sometimes rapid-fire, occasionally lolly-gagging delivery gives many of his scenes a comic rhythm that is much appreciated.
Pamela Crouch (as Janet, the wife/original victim) and Jean Lupoli (as Suzy, the particualrly dimwitted mistress) have very little to do here, with each getting a turn at playing both a dim bulb and a limp body. They have the skills to do so much more, but still seem to be having a blast with this silliness. Kathy Heckman (as Mary Ticklewell, the second cousin) gets to play a not-so-bright character, too, and she embraces the bossy role and its required scream – which she delivers with abundant enthusiasm – with full-on gusto that enhances her every scene.
Ben Hopkins plays the neighbor, who just happens to be a murder mystery writer, and Hopkins’ lively presence is welcome in every scene. Playing the most dimwitted character of all is Greg Bouljon, who scored big time with his portrayal of George Ticklewell, the world’s dumbest and least assertive lawyer. Bouljon lets us see every single meager thought that crosses (slowly) George’s mind, and – though he may just have the show’s best lines, too – he is the most hilarious performer on this stage. Yes, many of you may be able to see some plot points a half-mile ahead, but this George is lucky to catch up with them at all. Bouljon succeeds so well that he turns what could be a middling sort of comedy into an often-enjoyable way to pas the time.
A great-looking set designed by Adamson and his father, Jeff Adamson, provides the perfect staging ground for this comedy about MURDER, and Jennifer Kingry’s simple, effective lighting showcases both the performances and the set itself.
ANYBODY FOR MURDER? is a fun little show that is sure to please.
