A murder not to be missed!

October 15, 1:10 PMDenver Theater ExaminerDeb Flomberg

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Murderers - Now Playing at Vintage Theatre

The monologue is the bane of my existence. I think it’s safe to say that most actors would agree with me. The monologue leaves you alone on stage, where it is just you and the audience. It can be terrifying and incredibly rewarding at the same time. As an actor, you need to keep the audience interested and engaged in your story, without the help of other actors. You sink or swim based on your own merits. And the three actors in Vintage Theatre’s production of Jeffrey Hatcher’s Murderers certainly swim. Robert Kramer, Betsy Grisard, and Mari Geasair tackle the three monologues that make up this play. They each take their turn, one at a time, telling the audience their story of murder.

It opens with tuxedo-clad Kramer in his intriguing and sincere depiction of “The Man Who Married His Mother-in-Law.” Kramer uses different voices, energetic movements, and complete honesty to tell his story. What he delivers is a shockingly dark and funny tale that leaves the audience wanting more.

Up next is Grisard with her hilarious tale of the cheating husband and the woman that came between them in “Margaret Faydle Comes To Town.”  Grisard, with her subtle movements and frank tone is adorably terrifying in her role, bringing the audience to tears of laughter.

Lastly, Mari Geasair takes the stage with her macabre story of the deadly Minka in “Match Wits with Minka Lupino.” Geasair's performance of a fan that is obsessed with a murder mystery author is reminiscent of a well known performance in Stephen King's Misery - but Geasair's performance is all her own. She revels in the dialog and delights in unraveling the twisted tale for the audience.

All three stories quickly grasp the audience’s attention, as the three actors take the stage and paint the picture. Directed flawlessly by Bernie Cardell, the stories all take place in a retirement community in Riddle Key, Florida. The set is perfectly designed by Geasair and Jesse Larner, as you are immediately transported to the humid and palm tree adorned senior living center.  Then the acting takes over. The stories are all wonderfully funny and surprising, dark and twisted. This is theatre at its best. No special effects, no large dance numbers, no big fight scenes, no revolving sets – just three actors, each with a unique story to tell, tempting the audience in on the journey.  Vintage Theatre manages to deliver yet another wonderful, can’t miss show. Get your tickets now, the murders end November 2nd.

Examiner Special!! CLICK HERE for a preview of Murderers!