Opera Glasses and Shear Madness: a Comedic Review
|
| Opera Category RSS Feed - Subscribe to the feed here |
|
|
Chances are, you have heard of Shear Madness, perhaps from a friend, or relative, and are considering attending a performance. My recommendation is that you should not attend, unless you would like to feel physical pain, and suffering from extreme laughter. However if you feel like you cheek and stomach muscles are in healthy enough shape, you may be able to endure this marathon of laughter. Opera glasses are very necessary for a performance of this type.
The stage is set to take place at a unisex hair salon. The usual gossip takes place. As in real life, for some reason, people seem to think they need to share their utmost secrets with their hairdresser. So many funny lines take place as well as an intriguing storyline. The people acting are extremely believable characters. You have the snapping gum pretty hairdresser with a gorgeous figure who is an airhead, the brightly colored clothing character played by the homosexual hairdresser (fabulously played by John McGivern in Milwaukee, Wisconsin when I attended), a high class society woman, policemen and the different clientele that comes in. Of course, one man is a hunk which makes John McGivern’s character giggle with glee.
This play is ever changing as the topics of interest revolve around current events going on around the city Shear Madness is open in and the United States hot topics. The current events are twisted into a funny light. The characters use a lot of improvisation and sometimes the actors cannot contain their own laughter which only makes you laugh even harder. To make sure you see each actor slip up trying hard not to giggle, bring your Opera glasses.
Shear Madness is very much an interactive play. As you attend, you will find that performers will periodically ask the audience for their opinions about the developing story. Many in attendance will shout out their answers which often vary wildly. This aspect alone will make this play unforgettable in your mind. If find that your seat is in the first few rows, be prepared, as you may find yourself as centerpiece of a joke. Remember, that all jokes are just in good fun.
Aside from the typical chit chat you find in a beauty parlor, Shear Madness’ plot turns to a murder mystery. The person who is killed is always the same; it is the owner of the parlor. The owner lived above the parlor prior to being murdered, and you will see that any of the characters potentially could have been the murderer. You will be working and trying to figure out who the murderer is; your opera glasses will help you to not miss any subtle hints.
What makes this comedy play different than any other play is that the guilty murderer is different each time. The characters in the play will talk to the audience and ask them questions. The audience actually votes and chooses who the murderer is. As odd as this may sound, it is really a very clever concept. Some people even see this play more than once and usually see a different ending.
Shear Madness is one of the longest running plays that are not musical. Popular critics such as the New York Times, Newsweek, Chicago Sun-Times, The Wall Street Journal and more have given Shear Madness rave reviews.
Remember when you attend, as always; bring your opera glasses, so as to not miss one single moment! Opera glasses will help you to make sure that you don’t miss one moment or a laugh.
Before you attend any performance make sure that you have a good pair of opera glasses. Here you can check out Opera Glasses with handle, flashlight, chain and more!
Find more articles written by Jeff Bridges


Email to a Friend
Print This Article