Mom Theatre Blogger: SHEAR MADNESS: Show Review by Robin Gorman Newman
Photo by Carol Rosegg
It’s been voted “BEST COMEDY OF THE YEAR” eight times in Boston and “BEST PLAY OF THE YEAR” in both Chicago and Philadelphia. It’s even listed in the GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS as the longest-running play in the history of the USA. And, now SHEAR MADNESS has arrived in New York.
Do you love interactive theatre? Are you a fan of whodunits?
Then, this show is for you.
The long-running comedy, which recently celebrated its 35th year of performances in Boston, is adapted by Bruce Jordan, director of the Off-Broadway production, and Marilyn Abrams, after Paul Pörtner’s German psychodrama.
Set in a New York unisex hair salon, the elderly, former concert pianist living above the salon (whose constant playing gets on their nerves) gets mysteriously murdered, and no one knows why or who did it.
When detectives come on the scene, the houselights ignite, and the audience is invited to participate. The audience dissects the clues, gets called upon to question the suspects, and depending on who the audience votes the most for as the culprit, the cast plays out that scenario. So, there is no spoiler if fans see it more than once because the ending is up for grabs.
The show features Broadway actors Jeremy Kushnier and Lynne Wintersteller. Joining them are Jordan Ahnquist, from the Boston production, along with Adam Gerber, Kate Middleton and Patrick Noonan. All are quick-witted and work well on their feet, playing to the audience, and reacting in real time to their comments and concerns. Their improv responses are half the fun, and there are lots of laughs. Noonan, as the lead detective, takes center stage during this portion, and keeps the action, inquisition, intrigue and barbs flowing.
Jam-packed with current pop cultural and political references, and campy and over the top, sometimes corny gags, it’s a delicious, engaging romp with a twist.
Shear Madness is playing an open-ended run at New World Stages in NYC.
