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Disclaimer:
The reviewers' opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of TheatreLouisville.org. |
Peer Reviews Fashion Show at the Castle of Blood Written and directed by A.S. Waterman
This newest production from WhoDunnit was my first experience with the interactive mystery theatre format, one that includes a full dinner and open bar. It bears little relation to the experience of attending what we would define as "traditional" theatre, and struck me as something closer to an evening of sketch comedy, with more of a party atmosphere. The comparison to sketch comedy may result from the campy elements and devotion to silliness that this script called for (perhaps other WhoDunnit productions are more serious?). The Halloween-season story plays like an episode of the old sitcom "The Munsters" come to life. The Burnside Family, Biff, Buffy and their bratty adult children, Coco and Chip, are playing host to a fashion show featuring the work of Pepper Aupoivre, who is accompanied by her assistant, Mary Lou, and personal physician, Dr. Van Pires. Before long, suggestions of mayhem begin dropping, and a body or two fall victim to a vampire. It is the audience's task to guess as to the identity of the creature, aided by interaction with all of the characters as they wander the tables before and after each act. In truth, the mystery seemed a little thin and the killer easy to guess, but it was all in good fun. The characters are drawn with a broad, farcical brush, and the cast didn't shy away from the style. Craig Nolan Highley played the snooty Dr. Van Pires with a droll, deadpan delivery, Erica Goldsmith was deliciously sexy as Buffy Burnside, and Joe Monroe made for a very funny Biff Burnside, curiously ringing up the most laughs despite his character's peculiar, unintelligible manner of speaking, with subtle physical humor. As Pepper, Graham Bell maintained his dignity and his faux French accent while in drag, with Erin Mann playing his assistant, Mary Lou, as the type of scary southern belle who keeps a broad but tight smile pasted on her face, as if charm were frozen onto her countenance against her will. The remaining three roles, the Burnside children played by Carl Freeman and Jessica Vautard, and their nanny/housekeeper, Mrs. Castle, played by Cristina Martin, fail to register as strongly in smaller roles, although the headpiece worn by Mrs. Castle is memorable indeed. One particular problem was the inclusion of a few musical numbers. While not inappropriate to the cabaret feel of the play, they were performed somewhat tepidly, and the actors' high energy seemed to dim in these moments. Only Mr. Highley, seeming to channel George Sanders in a brief solo, made the music work. The set and costumes were well-managed, with a special nod to Buffy's first act dress, which brought a good dose of sexy vamp to the proceedings, and Dr. Van Pires' spidery waistcoat was a nice touch. Unaccustomed as I am to interactive theatre, I was sheepish and failed to ask any useful questions, but I did find myself wishing one or two of the characters could have joined my table for a drink or two. Ultimately, the whole enterprise is just silly fun, which is a quality one should embrace fully whenever it crosses your path, for it is too often in short supply.
Fashion Show at the Castle of Blood
Posted Sept. 21, 2008
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