ADAMS MYSTERY PLAYHOUSE – Written by the cast and audience. Produced by Nick and Marne Cuellar (Presented at the Playhouse at 2406 Federal Boulevard, Denver) indefinitely. Tickets available at 303-455-1848 or AdamsMysteryPlayhouse.com
This is actually more of a commercial than a review. How can you review a performance that is 80% improv wrapped loosely around a “theme” as opposed to being written in a script? But expect to have a lot of fun. Most of this cast has worked together for years and have honed their craft. They can penpoint the audience members who are there to play and who can spar with the actors. Everyone gets comfortably involved, whether it’s having whole tables shout a response to a cast member’s command or engaging in conversation with an actor at your table. Everything is geared toward audience comfort and enjoyment.
It is also a dinner theatre with a simple but excellent choice of meal options served by the cast. This actually starts the evening as soon as you walk through the door, check in, hit the bar, and find your assigned seat in the dining room. The cast is focused on your comfort throughout.
The evening our group attended the “script” was entitled “Murder on Pirate Island” which gave the actors the chance to wear flattering pirate-y costumes and shout “Arrgghh” once and awhile. The captain of the crew is “murdered” off stage, then comes back to solve his own demise. At the end of the evening, after the questioning of suspicious characters, each table announces their choice of a murderer. Could be someone on the stage – or – in the audience. Other themes are explored on other nights. In September, we have “The Bootlegger’s Murder” or “A Dark and Stormy Murder” offerings.
Nick and Marne and a rotating cast of players have been performing these interactive evenings for over twenty years in a variety of locations. But have settled down in their won renovated funeral parlor . . . just to add to the ambiance. They have created a three-level entertainment center with a dining room that seats over a hundred and smaller rooms for events like wedding or birthday parties. There is also a full menu of afternoon performances for kids.
It’s not difficult to recommend this fun-loving crew for family parties, office celebrations, or just a fun night out with a friend or two. These folk know how to entertain even the most reticent of audiences. Give them a look! Is it theatre? Who cares!! It’s fun!!
A WOW factor of 8!!