All laughs during Shear Madness at Vertigo Theatre

The final show of the season for Vertigo Theatre in Calgary opened tonight, Shear Madness (the longest running non-musical in North America). The interactive murder-mystery comedy was such a hit the first time around, that Artistic Director Craig Hall had to bring it back.

“I can honestly say that in my first two seasons at Vertigo Theatre, the question patrons asked more than any other was, “…when are you going to bring back Shear Madness? Well, ask and you shall receive, and what a great way to conclude our exceptionally successful 2014/2015 season.” said Hall.

There was definitely a reason why people were clamoring for more of this show. It was hilarious. The cutting current jokes were a big hit with the audience. They just kept coming. Sometimes you missed them because there was so much laughter.

The cast has a lot of fun on the stage and that traveled out the the audience and made for a really good time for everyone in attendance. No spoilers here, but the audience interaction was by far the best I had ever been a part of. Everyone was involved and it really was a group effort solving the murder.

The entire cast was great, but there is always a stand out. Tonight that person was Frank Zotter playing the role of hairdresser Tony Whitcomb. He brought a bounce to the stage that was not met by any other…except maybe by Andrea Risk playing the loaded elderly woman.

Get caught up on your current events before you go, or you may not get all of the jokes, but there are so many that if you miss one – you’re guaranteed to get the next. I’m not sure if they mix up the jokes from show to show…but I would recommend more jokes about the cycle tracks and less about the police being stupid.*

Shear Madness is directed by Bob Lohrmann in The Playhouse at Vertigo Theatre in Calgary, Alberta. Opening June 5 and continuing through to June 28, 2015 performances are Tuesday – Saturday at 7:30pm, and Sunday matinees at 2pm. All tickets are $55 and available in-person at the Vertigo Theatre Ticket Office, call 403.221.3708 or visit www.vertigotheatre.com.

*Did I miss the memo when we started to have a hate on for the Calgary Police? I realize there is a police issue going on in other parts of North America, but I would be one hell of an offended trooper if I knew or was part of the CPS. It was too much.

[Image credit: Benjamin Laird Arts & Photo]