BWW Reviews: IT'S A SCREAM And So Will You!

Dress Rehearsal for this show was a fund-raising benefit for a good friend of mine, so I attended dress rehearsal (without pen and paper) and I came back for Opening Night. That should tell you one thing: I was willing to come back after seeing the dress rehearsal; I was even excited to come back. It was a delightful show, very entertaining, fun with just enough shocks to get you in the mood and remind you it was October.

The set was an old house with movie posters and all types of knick-knacks. Layne Taylor played a convincing novice movie exec/producer, Spencer Pierce who opens the show by walking into the house calling for the owner, Mr. Moreau. Mr. Moreau, perfectly portrayed by Joseph Wright, was a 1930's-40's creature actor from the movies. He reminded me, very much, of the late great Vincent Price, just enough smoothness to his voice to take it from creepy to sinister. Mr. Pierce, the novice movie exec has come out to fire Mr. Moreau. Over the course of the night, with the help of his daughter, housekeeper, and the chauffeur he needs to convince Mr. Pierce to let him keep his job. Will he be able to scare him enough to keep his job?

The performance reminded me of many shows that portray the 1940's. The acting was of that melodramatic, early soap opera style. It fit the script very well. There were a few timing issues but they were minor. The audience still laughed at all the jokes, and there were quite a few.

There were two times where the lighting was a little awkward. The first was the shift to intermission; the lights went directly to full on, there was no transition time or graduation to the full house lights. The second time, in the middle of act 2, there is a transition where the lights go out. Every other time the lights went out they came on almost immediately, but this time they were out for a good 10 seconds, then music started and they were still out. I was afraid the audience was going to be lost, there was shuffling and coughing, but once the performance started again the audience was right back with them.

It was a good show and a fun night. I would recommend seeing it. If you can stand to be scared!

IT'S A SCREAM produced by Stage Coach Theatre and plays at 4802 W. Emerald, Boise, ID 83706. October 17, 18, 19,20, 24, 25 and 26 Show Times: Thurs 7:30p, Fri & Sat 8:00p, Sun matinee 2p
For tickets visit http://stagecoachtheatre.com/

Photo Credit: taken by Paula Culet
Top photo: (left to right) Hubert, Judi Radek, Layne Taylor
Bottom Photo: (left to right) Layne Taylor, Judi Radek, Liam Tain, and Joseph Wright (not pictured Corrie Winterholler)