34west goes jungle in detective spoof

Staff report

Columbiana

Was it the washed-up British safari hunter, or could it have been the directionally challenged Girl Scout?

Audiences will help detective Perry Columbus solve a tangled crime of passion in 34west Theater Company’s “Perry Columbus and the Jungles of Love” at Dutch Village Inn tonight, Friday (including an additional matinee) and Saturday.

The tropical island of El Amor is home to a world-renowned scientifically enhanced reptile exhibit. But when things go haywire, detective Columbus enlists the “natives” (audience members) to help solve the crime.

“It’s Jurassic Park, Gilligan’s Island and Lost, all rolled into one,” said 34west playwright Stephen W. Baldwin. “The entire show is one big spoof on jungle-themed movies and television shows.”

The cast consists of Baldwin, who plays the house detective, Jeffrey Querin and Rebecca Whittenberger.

Each member of the cast not only plays multiple roles but also improvises with audience members throughout the night.

Dutch Village Inn, 150 E. State St., provides a four-course meal, featuring a buffet-style dinner with three entrees and desserts. Groups can sit eight or 10 to a table.

Seating for evening shows begins at 6:45 p.m. with the meal beginning at 7 p.m. Seating for matinees begins at 12:15 p.m. with the meal beginning at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $40, matinees $35. For reservations, call 866-482-5050.