A Review of Shear Madness the Comedic Mystery with Opera Glasses
Chances are, you have heard of Shear Madness, perhaps from a friend, or relative, and are considering attending a performance. My recommendation is that you should not attend, unless you would like to feel physical pain, and suffering from extreme laughter. However if you feel like you cheek and stomach muscles are in healthy enough shape, you may be able to endure this marathon of laughter. Opera glasses are very necessary for a performance of this type.
The play begins in a unisex hair salon; there are many types of people at coming in and out of the salon. We see many stereotypes, we see the dumb blond, homosexual hair dresser (played by John McGivern in the performance I attended.), the police officers, a high class woman, and of course the traditional red hot hunk of a man, which makes John McGivern’s character giggle with delight. In this scene we get the first bits of comedy. All of the characters seem to be sharing the most well guarded secrets with the hairdressers; much like as is found in the real world.
One thing that should be explained about Shear Madness is that much of this play is not scripted, but rather is performed in an improvisation. Much of what is discussed in the play; revolve around current events in the city and in the world. At times this improvisation is so funny that the actors themselves cannot contain their laughter, which of course makes the audience laugh harder. To ensure that you catch every slip up you will want to bring your opera glasses.
Shear Madness is very much an interactive play. As you attend, you will find that performers will periodically ask the audience for their opinions about the developing story. Many in attendance will shout out their answers which often vary wildly. This aspect alone will make this play unforgettable in your mind. If find that your seat is in the first few rows, be prepared, as you may find yourself as centerpiece of a joke. Remember, that all jokes are just in good fun.
The hair salon is really just a front for the real story, for not too far into the play we find that owner of the hair salon has been murdered. The owner lived in an apartment above the salon before she was murdered, and the plot rapidly develops into a murder mystery. As you are in attendance undoubtedly you will find yourself trying to unravel the mystery behind the murder to see if you are the first to discover the true killer. Make sure that you bring your opera glasses along, to ensure that you don’t miss a single beat in this thriller.
There is one last twist me must tell you about this improvised performance, although the owner of the beauty salon is always the one who gets murdered at the beginning, the person who actually did the killing is different every time! As the plot develops the actors ask members of the audience for their opinions, and toward the end, a vote takes place in which the murderer is chosen. This development is always very comical, and you will love to hear the different reasons the killers give to justify their actions. There is one catch though, if you want to see why each murderer kills the owner, you will have to see it multiple times, as there is only one murderer in each showing!
This play is often called the longest running, or second longest running non musical performances. Many critics have given this play wonderful reviews, because of the witty comedy and wonderful performances, which is why of course; this play has been around for so long.
You will want to bring your Opera glasses as you will not want to miss one entertaining moment of Shear Madness. Opera glasses will ensure that you will capture each and every laugh.
Jeff Bridges has always loved the theater and opera, he currently helps run an opera glasses retail site where they sell opera glasses. Including Opera Glasses with handle, flashlight, chain and more!
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