Shear Madness

[rating=3] The Mercury Theater Chicago is an intimate space for musical theater, but not as intimate as its new neighbor, Venus ( a cabaret venue), so when they announced the return of one of the longest running off-loop comedies, “Shear Madness” I was hoping that it would be in the Venus. Not so! They are doing it in the larger space and in spite of a well cast production with slick direction by Walter Crocker, much of the style of its time is lost to those who might be sitting in the rear of the theater.

This play has been running somewhere for over 40 years. I recall its days at The Blackstone Hotel, on South Michigan Avenue and its reboot/rebirth in the lower level of The Chicago Theater , where a small stage was built. It has always been a fun murder mystery where the audience helps to decide which of the characters IS the guilty party. It all takes place in a beauty salon, as it turns out a three story building. On the second floor is a woman who at one time was the most famous pianist in the world. On the third floor, the apartment of the salon owner Tony Whitcomb ( played to perfection by Chicago favorite Ed Kross). Kross is what the authors had in mind when they wrote this show.

He runs his shop along with his only employee, Barbara De Marco ( deftly handled by Brittany D. Parker). The shop is called “Shear Madness” which is the title of the play that was written by Paul Porter and has been adapted and revised by Marilyn Abrams and Bruce Jordan. The script has added a lot of current political themes to bring it more modern and keep the audience into it. They have not , however, changed that the pianist had a cassette tape of her playing. During the audience participation, the term cassette player was explained to many of the audience members of a certain age. I mean, technology has truly made some items obsolete hasn’t it?

During the first act, and even before the show begins, we watch the employees as they prepare for their days at the salon. We meet some other characters, that we learn later are undercover cops. The main cop is  Nick Rossetti ( tonight played by understudy Kevin McKillip, who was sensational ) and he takes control of the evening after we learn that the pianist has been found dead. The house lights are brought up and we, ,the audience ,become part of the investigation. This where Nick ( again, I say McKillip was funny, bright and very Chicago cop) takes the lead. WE take a ten minute break and return for further investigation.

As the investigation goes on and WE get to toss questions to the characters who may or may not be guilty. We are then asked to vote on who we think the culprit is. After that we get a different feel and we then learn how and who the killer is. Since the vote is the “thing”, each performance is unique and every night a different ending.

Here are the other characters in the show. Eddie ( David Sajewich) is someone who seems out of place in the salon, but pay close attention and one can see his motives for being there are not a haircut ( although he needs one badly), Sam Woods plays Mikey, a police detective and Mary Robin Roth handles Mrs. Schubert, the flighty regular customer. Ms Roth has appeared in this play in many theaters over the years and is dynamite.. This cast seemed to have as much fun as the audience. In particular a slight break as two actors got a little closer than normal. There was a slight break-up, but, again, since the audience is part of the show, we had fun with this as well.

The set is very realistic and appearsto be a true salon. They even have running water. Ben Lipinski could in fact hire himself out to design new shops on Southport. The lighting (Kristof Janezic) and sound (Carl Wahlstrom) are near perfect and Rachel Boylan’s costumes, very fitting. While there are many who might call “Shear Madness” hokey, or dated, I think a better description might be two hours of fun and laughter and a chance to meet new friends. We do find ourselves talking with our seat-mates ( if that might be a word) and for a first date, a great way to have things to talk about that are shared. WOW! The role of Nick is usually played by Joe Popp, For you WGN fans, you will hear the voice of one of our favorites, Paul Lisnek doing what he does best.

“Shear Madness” will continue Through – Mar 29, 2020 ( I think an extension is on the way) at The Mercury Theater Chicago located at 3745 N. Southport with performances as follows:

Price: $40-$80

Show Type: Comedy

Box Office: 773-325-1700

Running Time: 2hrs, 15mins; one intermission

www.mercurytheaterchicago.com 

Parking is a bit difficult but can be found and they offer valet parking on the week-ends.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Shear madness”.