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Trademark Theater has opened their seventh season with the world premiere of The Reunion: A Hilarious New Murder Mystery, created by Trademark founders and artistic directors Tyler Michaels King and Tyler Mills.
The Reunion is a hilarious and a must-see "whodunit.” Six high school friends, plus one spouse, meet at the famous Joseph Friedman House in Cleveland, OH for a role-playing murder mystery. The event is hosted by Sam (Michael Terrell Brown) and is orchestrated by Peter (Chris Hayhurst). The first friend to arrive is Elizabeth (Emma Schuld) who works and lives in Portland, and is trying to save the planet. Next to arrive are the brother/sister duo of Laura (Janely Rodriquez) and Clive (MJ Matheson). Laura and Clive were adopted and have the same birthday, so everyone calls them the twins. The last of the friends to arrive are Susan (Katy Kessler) and her husband Richard (Sasha Andreev).
The murder mystery begins with Peter appearing in costume and handing out gift bags to the other characters, with wigs, costumes, props and clues about their characters. Everyone gets into character and the murder mystery begins, with spooky lighting and sounds effects as Peter narrates the events. Not long after the festivities begin, the evening takes a turn. It’s not just a game, as murder is afoot, and everyone is a suspect as Peter is now dead.
As the second act of the play progresses, the audience learns why everyone is a suspect, the issues each of them had with Peter, and we discover why everyone is really at the party. There is a lot going on at this reunion. It keeps you guessing as to "whodunit?"
The Reunion is a murder mystery, but it is also a very funny play, with lots of laugh out loud moments for the audience. This ensemble cast clicks together and brings this story to life both in a serious and hilarious fashion. As the play goes on, some friendships are strained, some renewed, some tested, some fall apart, and some relationships get a fresh start. Kudos to Tyler Michaels King and Tyler Mills on the script of this very well-written play.
Another aspect of this production I really liked--in addition to the story and acting--was the scenery designed by Sarah Bahr. With some clever designs, Bahr’s scenery was easily able to transform from the main floor of the historic mansion, to the basement, to the upstairs drawing room and back again. I also loved how at the beginning of the play, there were objects placed strategically around the main room for décor that reminded me of the game Clue. There was sword, a gun, a knife set, and candles
everywhere.
Near the end of play, it seems like we who know who did it and why. At the very end of the play, the audience learns who actually did it and why. Now that was a twist! In hindsight there were clues. Pay very close attention to the details in every scene. I loved the ending of The Reunion. I can’t really say much more than that without giving it away. It was so clever, and theatrical, the final moment of the play was perfection.
The Reunion continues through October 12 at Gremlin Theatre. Check out Trademark Theater's website for tickets!
As the second act of the play progresses, the audience learns why everyone is a suspect, the issues each of them had with Peter, and we discover why everyone is really at the party. There is a lot going on at this reunion. It keeps you guessing as to "whodunit?"
The Reunion is a murder mystery, but it is also a very funny play, with lots of laugh out loud moments for the audience. This ensemble cast clicks together and brings this story to life both in a serious and hilarious fashion. As the play goes on, some friendships are strained, some renewed, some tested, some fall apart, and some relationships get a fresh start. Kudos to Tyler Michaels King and Tyler Mills on the script of this very well-written play.
Another aspect of this production I really liked--in addition to the story and acting--was the scenery designed by Sarah Bahr. With some clever designs, Bahr’s scenery was easily able to transform from the main floor of the historic mansion, to the basement, to the upstairs drawing room and back again. I also loved how at the beginning of the play, there were objects placed strategically around the main room for décor that reminded me of the game Clue. There was sword, a gun, a knife set, and candles
everywhere.
Near the end of play, it seems like we who know who did it and why. At the very end of the play, the audience learns who actually did it and why. Now that was a twist! In hindsight there were clues. Pay very close attention to the details in every scene. I loved the ending of The Reunion. I can’t really say much more than that without giving it away. It was so clever, and theatrical, the final moment of the play was perfection.
The Reunion continues through October 12 at Gremlin Theatre. Check out Trademark Theater's website for tickets!
