The play and its direction work in unison to deliver non-stop laughs. The pacing is frenetic, but never hurried. Every gem is delivered to full effect, then dismissed to make room for the next one. It’s a sight to behold.
The modest but effective set is designed by Jason Simms; who delivers a staged extravaganza with simple, potent strokes. Sound Designer M. L. Dogg’s choices for the score and sound effects make an amazing accompaniment to the ludicrous world of 1896 New York.
Special mention must be made for the work of Costume Designer Deanna R. Frieman, who has spun a set of gorgeous steampunk ensembles for the cast. Mixing blatant themes with delightful small touches, her costumes are things of beauty.
The coordination of all this would not have looked nearly so great without the well-timed efforts of stage manager Marianne Broome. The sign of such work done well is that you do not notice it. The timing, the transition between scenes, it’s seamless.
Which brings me to the script itself. Jonathan A. Goldberg has constructed a madcap, cheerfully dark world of steampunk, mad science, dollops of accurate history, 1960s Batman references and a whodunit involving assault with a deadly cephalopod. He has assembled a script of one-liners, tongue-in-cheek nods and no small amount of magnificently inappropriate gardening. Result.
Goldberg earned his Master’s Degree in Dramatic Writing from the Tisch School of the Arts. He cites among his influences Theatre of the Absurd, Charles Ludlam, Tom Stoppard, and Oscar Wilde. “They’re all risk-takers,” he explains. As for the whodunit at the heart of the show, Goldburg confessed with a shrug, “I wanted to write a murder mystery where no-one actually solves anything.” The answer is ultimately revealed, but the truth is as much a surprise to the amateur sleuths as it is to the audience.
The show was expertly helmed by Director Tom Ridgely. The play’s action is given a mad sense of glee that infects the audience, almost from the get-go. The world of Land Whale Murders makes sense to its inhabitants, who acknowledge that it probably shouldn’t. Still. Ridgely has collaborated a number of times with playwright Goldberg; Murders is their fourth concerted effort this year alone.
The Land Whale Murders runs Wednesday-through-Saturday this week and next, through the 18th. If you are a lover of the absurd, if you enjoy frank theatricality and pitch-perfect comedy; see this show. If you have a secret addiction to steampunk and long-john superheroes, you will not be disappointed. If you wish to see a corps of masters doing what they do best, attend The Land Whale Murders.
Performances are held 8pm nightly at 311 West 43rd st, on the 3rd floor. For more details, visit www.shelbycompany.org.
