MURDERERS; A Killer Comedy – Written by Jeffrey Hatcher; Directed by Bernie Cardell. Produced by Vintage Theatre (1468 Dayton Street, Aurora) through November 17. Tickets available at 303-856-7830 or vintagetheatre.org.
Most murder plays concentrate on WHO dunnit and try to fool the audience with red herrings and subterfuge. MURDERERS is the exact opposite. One at a time, the audience is introduced to three normal looking people, charming, funny, and murderous. They readily admit their crime and are anxious to share with the audience how their dastardly deeds got done. All three episodes are set at Riddle Key Luxury Retirement Living Center and Golf Course and involve residents and staff members. Offhand, I would say this is not a good place to retire.
The first murderer is Gerald (Troy Lakey) who got involved in a very complicated scheme with his fiancé and potential mother-in-law to beat the inheritance laws. The story is full of characters with names like Spiff, Puss and Pepper and way too complicated to try to recall. Suffice it to say, it all makes perfect sense and is a great way to protect the mother-in-law’s money for her daughter’s family . . . until it isn’t. Troy reprises his role from the first covid-cancelled production and brings a charming, handsome, easily beguiled man to life while he awaits his execution.
Our second tale involves a woman done wrong. Margaret – played by Mary Campbell – puts up with her philandering husband as long as she can. The kicker is when she finds his viagra in his golf bag – in the little side pocket, you know, where he keeps his balls. Margaret’s tale of woe is relayed with sass and authenticity as if this were the first time she told the story.
The third go-around involves a successful serial killer named Minka who works at the Living Center and finds convenient ways to “take care” of inconvenient clients and members of their rotten families. Mari Geasair brings a subtle slyness to her role that allows you to almost root for her continued success. Her methods are creative and almost undetectable – but don’t get any ideas. This is Mari’s third time in the role; she does it very well.
Three very attractive and talented players explaining three very well-written episodes of three murder no-mystery-here stories.
A WOW factor of 8.5!!