Theatre, as you may or may not know, has been around since the Ancient Greeks. It has been censored, caused riots, entertained, and satirized throughout the generations in hundreds of countries. Like its own artistic religion, there are those that believe in some forms more than others: Classical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Revivals, the list of “denominations” continues. Of the many theatrical avenues, interactive murder mystery dinner theatre is one of the youngest. The accepted 8pm curtain allows for many theatergoers to dine at an establishment off-site and show up (ideally) before the house lights come down. With some cabaret theatres, drinks and small food items are served before, during intermission, and afterwards. Long Beach’s Act Out Mystery Theatre swirls dinner and a show together in a way that many companies shy away from. Performing in several private ballrooms at The Reef in Long Beach Harbor, Act Out serves its original four-course murder mysteries in between a three-act meal.
Acknowledging that ticket prices for many companies (not just in Long Beach) can negatively influence potential audience members, the $49.95 sticker price for AOMT’s shows can seem murderous. However, if you attend one of their shows, you may notice that the meal itself (especially at an establishment like The Reef) could easily account for the fifty bucks. With an estimated average ticket price of $40 (to account for the large curve ranging from Alive and The Garage to Musical Theatre West and ICT), you can take pleasure in that your three-course meal of salad, prime rib (or salmon or mushroom ravioli), and cheesecake (or chocolate cake) cost about as much as a pair of pumpkin-flavored lattes. Conversely, if you apply the cost of a meal at The Reef first, you’re actually making money by seeing the show. Whichever way you slice it or serve it, Act Out Mystery Theatre is one of the hidden treasures of the Long Beach theatre community, and they just happen to have one of the best views of any arts venue in the 562.
With this latest AOMT production, Screaming Mimi, the will of the late Mimi Van Screamy is being read at her estate, and to her servants’ knowledge, she doesn’t have a next of kin. This spooky spooftacular features a handful of actors in multiple roles. Writer and Director Paul Vander Roest and Carson Gilmore perform with a triple-cast set of ladies to present Mimi through the beginning of November. Although many of the spoofed characters are more commonly recognized by raised-by-TV, Generation Xers, the performances themselves can be enjoyed without the pop culture knowledge. Indicative of how times have changed, characters like Boris Carlift (who looks more like Depp's Sweeney Todd), Mrs. Dithers, and Barry Mason, may not resonate as strongly as Taylor Lantern and Winnie the Boo. Vander Roest (Morbid Mulch and Glow), Gilmore (Mason and Carlift), and Lara Starr Rigores (Mrs. Dithers and Eeyore) stick with their characters throughout the run, but the roles of Witch Hazel and Mae East are divvied up between Melinda Parker (both), Jillian Yim (both), Robin Mattocks (Witch Hazel) and Sarah Caparino (Mae East) over the course of the run, so depending on when you arrive at the “dining room of death” at 1313 Murderers Lane, you may be treated to different performers.
Regardless of which cast you’re treated to, the twists and turns among the servants, friends, and distant relatives of Madam Van Screamy come together for an enjoyable evening (or afternoon if you choose the matinee) at The Reef. Don’t expect to recognize all the characters, though. “Eeyore the chauf-fore” is not the beloved, melancholy friend from the Hundred Acre Wood, but a descendant of Igor (which is a little difficult to understand in her purple wingsuit and captain’s hat). Ironically, Morbid Mulch seems to be a green-thumbed version Igor, creeping around the room with a constant evil eye.
All in all, Act Out’s Screaming Mimi is a tasty treat with some Halloween flair. This is the third Halloween that this murder mystery company has dined with comical deaths, and for their ninth production, it shouldn’t go unnoticed that Vander Roest has written every single one. (Try it, write a play and when you do, write two more that same year.) Dinner…Comedy…Murder…Mystery. That is the moniker of Act Out Mystery, and it’s up to us in the community to share with our friends that this style of dinner and a show is quite a steal. It’s almost as if you’re…getting away with murder.
Rating 3 out of 5 masks.
Act Out Mystery Theatre’s Screaming Mimi performs selected Friday and Saturday evenings at 730pm and Sunday matinees at 130pm through November 5, 2011. All performances are at The Reef, so click here for more details on dinner and directions or call (562) 961-9862.
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