Review: Players' acting, sets shine despite ineffective script

The dinner theaters put on by the River City Players usually appear as a distinct jewel in the active Cape Girardeau theater scene.

The group puts together the set, secures a tasty buffet and provides the entertainment. Because this show is during Lent, they even offer fish on the Friday buffet this time.

The most recent production, "Let's Murder Marsha," though, puts a dull glaze over the gem. It's tarnished by something out of the control of director, cast and crew. Monk Ferris' storyline fails to relate to the modern-day audience in the dialogue and fails to come to a complete conclusion.

The play, about a woman who overhears her husband plotting something and thinks he's trying to murder her, introduces subplots and small lies you expect to come together in the end, tied in neat bows, but it doesn't happen.

The subordinate storylines exist in the play to create the confusion and add to the comedy. They do so initially but don't resolve themselves once the murder plot comes out, leaving the audience asking "Why?" While there is resolution and explanation to the main plot, the explanation to the smaller storylines are neither neat nor complete -- and it's really too bad.

Tim Roth built one of the most elaborate and appropriate sets used by the group in years, possibly ever. Mike Craig, though a first-time director, obviously did several things right, from the characters' comfort onstage to their clarity in the dialogue.

Even the acting trudged through the storyline. Matthew Heisserer took his role as nervous neighbor Virgil Baxter to another level -- the floor in particular as he appropriately throws himself onto the stage with such hysteria the audience can't help but want to reach out to calm him and help him up. Lindsay Miller as the nonchalant maid Bianca and Regina Arbuthnot as Persis Devore, the husband's accomplice, shine in their supporting roles, and yet they don't shadow Sara Corbin in the lead as Marsha Gilmore.

Comedic timing can often pose challenges for actors, but the experience most of these people have shows and for the most part, they nail it. The only hiccups come from the sometimes unnatural and forced dialogue Ferris wrote, like when Joe Reed as the husband, Tobias Gilmore, has to exclaim "Yee-gods" onstage.

The play ends up being a juxtaposition of brilliant acting and a wonderful set but a weak, inconsistent story. In the end, the actors, directing and scenery fall prey to a terrible plot. If you can excuse a few glaring disparities in the plot you'll enjoy it.

"Let's Murder Marsha" continues with a show-only at 7 p.m. today and dinner theaters at 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the Yacht Club in Port Cape. Tickets are $12 for the show-only and $30 for the dinner theater and can be reserved by calling 334-0954.