Let's Murder Marsha: a review

Featuring a number of actors new to the Valley Performing Arts stage, Let’s Murder Marsha, is a hilarious comedy that is arguably the best VPA play this season has seen so far. Be prepared for a quiet start that quickly transforms into a performance that has the entire audience bursting into progressively frequent peals of laughter as the plot becomes increasingly hilarious as the play advances.

Director Patricia Blossom does a fabulous job directing Let’s Murder Marsha. She skillfully leads her small cast through the laugh-laden play, leaving no room for complaints from even the critical eye. The show is set in New York City at the Gilmores’ apartment. The play opens on the day before Marsha Gilmore’s birthday. Marsha’s nerves are on edge due to her obsession with mystery thrillers, which her husband, Tobias Gilmore despises. When Marsha overhears Tobias planning a birthday surprise, her nerves take control and she fears the worst, mistaking Tobias’s description of the surprise to an associate to be his plans for her murder. Marsha decides to take action to save her life by adapting actions similar to those taken by the heroes in her mystery books. Things quickly escalate, accompanied with growing hilarity, until the final confrontation when Marsha finally learns the truth.

The cast is exceptionally strong, creating a cohesive, smooth play that is extremely entertaining and amusing. Jim Eaches graces the VPA stage for the first time, playing as “Tobias Gilmore”. Fellow actors, Melissa Lowther, Patty Taylor, Jennifer McGuffey, Lexi Guild, and Mathew Firmin strengthen his epic performance. Eaches’ prior experience on other stages shows in his embodiment of the role. His personality shines through his part of the performance, making his act even stronger and more enjoyable. Lowther is another freshman VPA actor and plays Tobias’s wife, “Marsha Gilmore.” Lowther does an excellent job as well. Patty Taylor, a veteran VPA actor, is a welcome addition to the cast. As usual, Taylor does an outstanding job, garnering numerous laughs from the audience as she plays Marsha’s mother.

The play runs smoothly and pauses only for a well placed intermission. This smoothness is due in large part to the entire play occurring in one set, which prevents potential disruption due to set changes. Because there is only one set, it enables the set to be spotless, which eliminates potential distractions from the play and strengthens its atmosphere.

Let’s Murder Marsha runs through Jan. 25, playing at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. on Sundays, and a special 7 p.m. showing on Thursday the 15th at the Fred and Sara Machetanz Theatre, 251 W. Swanson Avenue, in Wasilla. Tickets may be purchased online at www.valleyperformingarts.org or by calling 907-373-0195. They cost $19 for adults and $17 for children and seniors.