Front Row Centre reviews THE LAST RESORT

The basic plot elements will be familiar to murder-mystery fans: A diverse group of individuals, all staying under one roof, are the victims of a series of unfortunate accidents. It's the stuff of Agatha Christie but in this case takes a totally irreverent approach. The result is closer in spirit to the classic movie parodies that were once a regular feature on Carol Burnett's TV variety show.

The irreverence carries over to the cast with everyone giving broad over-the-top performances. No one in the cast is broader than Petra Hinschberger as Freda Heitz, the proprietress of this rundown hotel. It is a performance that sets the tone for the others to follow.

And follow it they do! Shawn Wright as a gangster on the lam, Chilia and Joelle Kennedy as twin sisters – one good, one evil; Avery Saltzman as a middle-aged carpet salesman; and J.Sean Elliott as the detective who sings in the style of Gilbert and Sullivan.

These are all stock murder mystery characters, and each of the performers finds delightful absurdity in their situations.

Equally absurd is the presence of the wonderful on-stage pianist Anthony Bastianon – virtually a part of the set but there to hilariously punctuate the action with musical stingers.

Leslie Arden's tuneful score is matched with lyrics loaded with story and character insights and she manages to keep pace with Norm Foster in the pun department. "A Day with Julia" is a particular highlight, especially as sung by Ms. Kennedy.

The ladies in particular have strong voices and the whole cast does a good job enunciating the lyrics.

Director Di Nyland Proctor has given the show a crisp energetic staging that makes good use of Robert Ivy's wonderfully atmospheric set with many hidden entrances and exits.

The production is just what the material needs, and as long as you don't take the show too seriously you'll have a wild time in this far-from-grand hotel.

THE LAST RESORT at Stage West Dinner Theatre until November 26^th with evening performances Tuesday through Sunday and matinees on Wednesday and Sunday. To reserve tickets for the dinner/show package visit www.stagewest.com or contact the Stage West Box Office at (905) 238-0042.