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‘A Little Murder’ is lots of fun at SCT
By Stephanie Ottey
salem
Salem Community Theater is one of the homiest theaters in the area. The staff is professional and welcoming, and patrons can always count on a fun, relaxing night of theater there. That night is being offered again with their latest production of “A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody.”
A contemporary murder-comedy written by Ron Bernas, the show takes place in the present day at the Perry family estate. Matthew and Julia are bored with their marriage. It’s New Year’s Eve, and the family is proclaiming resolutions. Matthew boldly states that his year’s goal is to murder his wife. Julia resolves, then, to stay alive. What follows is a simple comedy of errors as multiple murder attempts fail and onlookers get suspicious.
While this premise is unique, the show is a moderately stereotypical murder-mystery with lots of drink shuffling, severe misunderstandings and an inept detective. Thankfully, there are a few twists that keep things from going stale, and the ending has some mild surprises.
All technical aspects of this production are very well executed.
Director Dick Fawcett commands and acts as part of the design team, creating a set that is aesthetically beautiful and nicely functional.
Sound Technician James Santor maintains a clear hearing experience for the audience, and Barry Hinchcliff’s lighting design is appropriate.
The props are a highlight of the production. Abby Cull enhances the show with random pieces of weaponry, giving the actors plenty to work with.
The actors are rehearsed and apt, which gives them a confidence that prevails on stage. The players show great comfort with one another and create an ensemble that doesn’t falter.
Matthew Perry, the novice murderer, is played by Todd Courtney. Courtney gives his character enough whine to maintain the necessary spoiled nature of Perry, but balances it with zeal and subsequent frustration to keep the character likable. Courtney takes charge of his props and creates many memorable moments.
Karen E. Hauck-Losito plays Matthew’s wife (and target), Julia. This one-of-a-kind role needs an actor who can maintain an intelligent, practical, patient, and regal presence in the strangest scenarios and Hauck-Losito certainly delivers it. Hauck-Losito is steadfast and commanding. Her pup, Fleury, is a welcome treat to the opening scene.
Grant Brown and Nicole Slaven make a darling couple of young lovers as Donald and Bunny. Brown is a lovable boy-next-door, and Slaven is charmingly dim-witted. The two are a right pair.
Brian Moore plays Buttram the butler with a dry, naturalness that is nicely unexpected.
The arrogant and foolish Detective Plotnik is played with energy by Dan Haueter. Hauter is a masterful corpse and thus gives the audience many reasons to laugh out loud.
Overall, the show is cute, and this production is clean.
“A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody” runs through next Sunday on the SCT stage at 490 E. State Street, Salem. Performances are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sundays. For ticket information, call 330-332-9688.