By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
In search of a night of laughter, mystery and intrigue? Look no further than Pierson Playhouse, where “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” offers a fast-paced performance, filled with just that—and more.
“A backer’s audition in a mansion in Chappaqua, New York, gathers together a team of successful Broadway show folk, and it turns out one of them is the infamous ‘Stage Door Slasher’—but who?” read a synopsis provided by Theatre Palisades. “The snow falls, the jokes fly, the bodies drop and the power keeps going out as the group tries to find the killer in this hilarious farce.”
Written by John Bishop, the Theatre Palisades iteration is directed by Lee Costello, and produced by Hahnah Jackson and Martha Hunter. The entirety of the two-act play takes place in the library of the mansion over the course of midnight to 5 p.m. one day.
The cast features Michele Schultz in the role of Elsa Von Grossenkneuten (the millionaire owner of the mansion) and her maid/confidant Helsa Wenzel (played by Susan Stangl). Brendan Serapiglia takes on the role of Michael Kelly, an undercover cop that enlists the help of Elsa to try to catch the “Stage Door Slasher” at the mansion.
The “Broadway show folk” (who range from tenor to producer) include Joshua Farrell as Patrick O’Reilly, Steven Frankenfield as Ken De La Maize, Cara Kluver as Nikki Crandall, Ian Riegler as Eddie McCuen, Richard Rosales as Roger Hopewell, Mari King as Bernice Roth and Hunter as Marjorie Baverstock.
“I was a young assistant director at The Circle Repertory Company in New York when John Bishop first wrote and directed this clever comedy,” wrote Costello in the director’s notes. “I had a front row seat as the cast navigated all the twists and turns of the story and brought the play to life. I am so pleased, with the help of my wonderful cast and crew, to bring you this lovely piece of screwball theater.”
Some takeaways after attending opening night: Whether Theatre Palisades picks a play with five roles or 10, it sticks out just how well the actors gel together. This is especially important when it comes to a farce, which is laden with jokes and banter. The topics can be heavy (murder) but the stage stays light as they all play off each other, delivering lines and producing gales of laughter from the audience.
The casting is well done—there are a wide range of big personalities on stage, and each actor fills their respective role and does them justice. And while (no spoilers) some things may not be as they seem, the actors handle the twists and turns deftly. The audience was left surprised at some of the outcomes.
One thing that really sets the show apart is the setting—from the stage (complete with secret revolving doors in bookcases) to the sound effects (the creaking of said bookcases). The audience is transported to the mansion, immersed in a multi-sense experience for the duration of the show, which somehow adds to both the hilarity and more intense moments. Credit and kudos are due to Bayard Saunders (musical director), Sherman Wayne (set and lighting design) and Stangl (sound design).
This particular show sees the return of several actors to the stage, as well as the inaugural performance for others, including Riegler, whose first role was in a play in fifth grade while he was attending Village School in the Palisades. He said it is a “total blessing” to be able to “perform at his local community theater and for the community that raised him.”
“The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” will run through June 30, with performances on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m., as well as Sundays at 2 p.m.
Tickets for the show are $22 for general admission, or $20 for seniors and students. All performances take place at Pierson Playhouse, located at 941 Temescal Canyon Road.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit theatrepalisades.org or
call 310-454-1970.
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