Shear Madness

Postcard Review by Caroline Russell-King

Show – Shear Madness

Playwright – Paul Pörtner is credited as the playwright but he only wrote the serious German drama Scherenschnitt which he then sold the rights to Marilyn Abrams and Bruce Jordan. They turned it in to a semi-improvised, audience interactive, murder mystery which was very popular at the end of the 70’s and into the 80s. The show is then adapted at each location with liberal additions to make the many, many references current and geospecific.

Production Company/Theatre space – Stage West

Length – 2 ACT 2 hours (one intermission.)

Genre/s – Comedy

Premise – When the pianist is discovered murdered about a Calgary hair salon the audience assist the police to solve whodunit.

Why this play? Why now? – This comedy has been a crowd pleaser for decades.

Curiosities – Having worked in dinner theatre for 9 years, I wondered if the clever actors were really corpsing. I’ve never seen hair rollers used in a salon except for the production of Steel Magnolias – are they back? Why is Anton DeGroot the Set Co-Ordinator and not Set Designer? Where are the photo and plaque in the lobby in remembrance as a tribute to the late creative force founder-producer Howard Pechet?

Notable Moment – Redacted for spoilers.

Notable writing – Paul Pörtner adaptation by Abrahams and Jordan, embellished by director Lohrmann (and the cast?) is a version that has enjoyed over 200 productions worldwide as is billed as “the longest running play in American history”.  It’s silly and schlocky. What’s interesting is what has happened to the nature of humour and politics. Jokes about the Premier, book-banning, vaccinations, and the state of justice in the USA aren’t funny to everyone and can split an audience. The play is somewhat dated but is spackled over with jokes about Tayor Swift and the Calgary Flames. Two of us laughed at “Yo Mama” reference to cellist Yo-yo Ma, so there’s a laugh for everyone.  

Notable performances – Andrew McAllister, the song and dance man in previous Stage West musicals, is the highlight of the cast proving his comic timing is as sharp as his musical timing.

Notable design/Production – The set is brightly coloured. The only dull bits are the art on the walls. The black and white Calgary skyline and the Peace Bridge which serve to anchor the play in Calgary in opposition to the aesthetic of the salon.

Notable direction – Robert Lohrmann has directed 20+ productions and consulted on international productions and played all of the male roles. A real cash cow! (The play enjoys a 39-year run at the Kennedy Centre, now infamous for its sheer madness.)

One reason to see this show – Humour for everyone, the food is tasty, and the staff are great.