SHEAR MADNESS in Las Vegas review

[CarolynW]

Posted: 6/9/09 at 1:09pm

The little show that could SHEAR MADNESS might be small, but it is mighty funny...

The show is set in present-day Las Vegas; Shear Madness engages locals and visitors alike as armchair detectives to help solve the scissor-stabbing murder of a famed concert pianist who lives above the Shear Madness unisex hairstyling salon.

The characters are hysterical, and the clichés on stage make for great humor in the show. It adds to the fun of figuring out who-done-it!

I have never gone to a murder mystery theatre because you have to walk around and be part of the show. That never excited me to do that. Maybe I am just lazy. That is the one thing you do not have to do with SHEAR MADNESS. You sit in your seat and watch what happens on stage. You don't have to follow the cast around. They do ask for help from the audience. It is your choice if you want to participate.

I was surprised at how many children were in the audience and actually watching the show and knew what was happening. They brought up lots of things, that many audience members had not noticed.

That is when the show really gets hysterical when the audience gets involved. The cast acting as their characters adlib a lot and that make it even funnier in the mystery is trying to be solved.

The adlibs and clichés add to the charm of this show. Each character is somewhat stereotypical of the type of person they play and that adds to the humor and mystery of the show.

The entire cast was great. I must say that one actor stood above the rest, it was local Las Vegan Enoch Augustus Scott (Tony Whitcomb). This is his first professional role and he is very funny and convincing in the role.

Even during intermission when he was in character just chatting with the audience members about everyday life like American Idol he was funny. It was nice to have the cast on stage and talking with the audience, especially for those that don't want to go out and get refreshments.

The small theatre makes it a nice close-knit group between the audience and cast. It is easy to see what is happening on stage. The cabaret seating for the higher priced tickets, works nicely for those who want to buy refreshments and bring them to their tables.

The area where the theatre is located is a nice place to have dinner, shop or just take in the scenery before and after the show. It is located off the Las Vegas Strip, but not that far from many hotels. A quick bus trip or cab and you are there. In a small outdoors shopping, dinning area...complete with this delightful show.

It makes for a wonderful night out, and you will have a good time.

Cast: Enoch Augustus Scott as Tony Whitcomb, Robin Long as Barbara Demarco, Tracey Adams as Eleanor Schubert, Joe Ditmyer as Eddie Lawrence, Chris Tarjan as Nick Rosetti, and Nicholas Caruso as Mikey Thomas with Christie Maturo as the understudy/assistant stage manager.

Shear Madness has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest-running play in the United States. The original Boston production is now in its 30th year.

The show runs Tuesday through Sunday at 7:00pm with matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday at 3:00pm.

To celebrate the opening of this epic production at Town Square, Shear Madness is offering the only full-time locals promotion in town. Patrons with addresses in Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City, and surrounding areas will benefit from a FREE Seat Upgrade for their entire party. ?This isn?t a special promotion,? says Williams. ?This is all day, every day, not just for a limited time only. After all, the local residents are the ones who tell their friends and relatives to go. Don?t they deserve the royal treatment?? The free seat upgrade can be requested when making reservations by phone.

Ticket prices: $42.95 to $69.95, plus tax. VIP Loveseats available for $79.95 per person plus tax.

Tickets may be purchased at the Shear Madness Box Office in Town Square, directly from the Shear Madness Website http://www.shearmadnesslv.com, or by calling [phone].

[Kristinag]

Posted: 7/5/09 at 8:48pm

How long does this run for?
I'll be in Vegas the 24th through the 28th. Will I be too late?
Thanks
Kristina


Updated On: 7/5/09 at 08:48 PM

[CarolynW]

Posted: 7/7/09 at 2:36am

I hope it is still running. They have their own theatre and it is an open end run.

Yours,

Carolyn