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Review by David Marlowe Murderer The John Hand Theater: 7/9-8/7 I just saw “Murderer” over at The John Hand Theatre on Lowry. It’s a pretty slick piece of theatre and by far the best Firehouse Theatre production to have been seen by this reviewer so far. The play is written by Anthony Shaffer, who having penned such plays as “Sleuth” and “Whodunit” went on to write such screenplays as “Murder on the Orient Express,” Hitchcock’s “Frenzy” and “Death on the Nile.” In the first half hour of “Murderer” nobody speaks. The audience is witness to what would seem to be a grisly murder and the subsequent disposal of the victim’s body. There is an ingenious set design, which allows us the voyeuristic ability of seeing right through the scrim wall to the gruesome act. James O’Hagan Murphy succeeds at being downright creepy as the man obsessed with murder. Lindsey Christian is his nubile victim. One hopes this fine actress will receive better treatment at the hands of her next leading man. Luke Terry plays the detective with real craft. This is Mr. Terry’s best work to date. It is however Ms. Teresa Reid who astounds in this production. Once she has arrived upon the scene her command of the stage is undeniably masterful. Ms. Reid is one of our finest actors, and she has not always had the good fortune of having a director who can direct ‘er. (Sorry!) The twists and turns the plot takes are many, and this production should please anyone who loves a good mystery. The play is a bit grisly in its sensibility, and you probably wouldn’t want to take the kids! Nevertheless … you could have a bloody good time of it if you’re a bit theatre savvy and not too squeamish. The French call this type of play Grand Guignol. It sets out to horrify the audience. And it will definitely give you a couple of jolts! However … you may find yourself chuckling once the reality behind all these illusions becomes apparent. You probably won’t want a slice of steak and kidney pie right after though. Just get on over to John Hand Theatre and see how superb Stacy Nelms’ direction really is. I cannot emphasize too strongly that the faint of heart may wish to skip this show and opt for something more soothing. For red-blooded aficionados of horror shows this production is unmissable. |