By Marilyn Jozwik
What could be better than a good murder mystery during this spooky time of year? And who doesn’t love a good comedy … any time of the year?!
Theatrical Tendencies theater company’s latest offering has combined the genres in the delightfully devilish “The Vultures,” by Mark A. Ridge.
The story looks familiar (think Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None”) at the onset: six relatives gather on a stormy night at a mansion in the middle of nowhere for the reading of the will of a wealthy relative. One of them will inherit his fabulous estate.
Mr. Crosby (Scott Sorensen) is the estate’s executor, and once all have arrived – and at the specified time (exactly 20 years after the wealthy one’s passing) – he reads the will … and the heir to the fortune is announced.
But there is something sinister in the air. The mansion’s long-time housekeeper, Talbot (Jillian Smith), dressed in black, glides about with a stern, severe and stone-faced demeanor, scaring the daylights out of everyone as she pops unexpectedly into a room with ominous pronouncements. Shelves in the study where the will is read contain a Ouija board, tarot cards and skulls. At one point a messenger from a nearby asylum (Matthew Umstot) warns the guests that a homicidal maniac has escaped and could be in the neighborhood … or in the building! And what murder-mystery would be complete without a doctor (William Kirsch)?
Ashley (Madison Van Allen), left, Mary (Kelly Simon) and Charles (Danny Slattery) discuss the strange goings-on in a scene from Theatrical Tendencies “The Vultures.” Photos by Carly Irland
Everyone is on edge, especially when a dead body falls out from behind a wall! And there is another mystery: a priceless watch is hidden somewhere in this scary place. Of course, there is no phone service and the bridge is out on the only road to the mansion.
What sets the show apart from other murder mysteries is the comedy and the character – not your standard Professor Plum and Colonel Mustard fare. Instead, there is Harrison (Kevin J. Gadzalinski, an underwear model; Ashley (Madison Van Allen), a nail technician; Charles (Danny Slattery), a realtor; Mary (Kelly Simon), a crusty old lady; Hunter (Nathan Broege), a hairdresser; and Paul (Christopher Orth), an accountant. The meeting of the six also provides an opportunity for two gay lovers to reunite and for one character’s homophobia to be exposed.
I really enjoyed Smith’s portrayal of Talbot, who stalks the mansion like a specter, providing the perfect parody for the murder-mystery servant. Her monotone deliveries are spot-on, such as when she tells the group: “I can tell you the cause of death: It was murder.” Smith’s Talbot provides just the right backdrop for the show’s comedy.
As Ashley, the ditzy nail technician, Van Allen is a hoot. She adds whimsy with her perky southern accent and clueless malapropisms, such as describing her eye issues as “stigmata.” Just a delight to watch!
Paul (Christopher Orth), left, and Hunter Nathan Broege) get some intriguing clues as they try their hand at the Ouija board in a scene from Theatrical Tendencies “The Vultures.” Photos by Carly Irland
Contrasting the effervescent Ashley is Simon’s dour Mary, who constantly reminds the group: “This house is haunted!” Simon uses an affected accent for her snobbish, uptight character, but needs to tone it down so as not to be too strident.
Orth as the mild-mannered accountant, Paul, is wonderful. His character is delightfully distressed, shrieking at every thunder clap and strange noise.
Mark A. Schuster directs the show with a keen eye for comedy, which this entire cast executes so well. He is also the scenic designer. Aaron J. Robertson is lighting and sound designer, no small task with the eerie music and thunder claps, as well as blackouts and flashes of lightning outside the window.
If You Go
Who Theatrical Tendencies
What: “The Vultures”
When: Through Oct. 27
Where: Inspiration Studios, 1500 S. 73rd St., West Allis
Info/Tickets: www.theatricaltendencies.com