Murder Me Once and The Tangled Snarl
(Two One Act Plays)
(Mary Beth Stars In The Tangled Snarl)
L-R: Mary Beth, Todd Babcock, Arianne Zuker
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Photo above by NikkiDLux. James Reynolds (play director and former
Days castmate) with Mary Beth |
Reviews:
(1) Pat Taylor In The Tolucan Times/Canyon Crier
(2) Review Plays.Com
(*For More Pictures & My Review, Scroll Down Below)
Cast of The Tangled Snarl:
Spuds Idaho-Private Detective.....Todd
Babcock |
Cast of The Murder Me Once:
Spuds Idaho-Private Detective.....Todd Babcock
Time: The Late
40's |
Background:
James Reynolds originally directed "The Tangled Snarl" app. 20 years
ago; he and his wife Lissa Layng
are the artistic directors of the theater. They basically run the place :)
The writers, John Rustan and Phil
Semerano liked the way James directed the play back then, and when they wrote
a new play with the same
main detective/character--Spuds Idaho-they asked James to direct it. Dan
Payne appeared as "the hit man"
in the earlier production (20 years ago) that James directed and reprises
his role for this run of this production.
My review:
The play is a spoof on the old 40s/ film noir detective capers... and
it is pure comedy/entertainment.
Spuds Idaho is the main character, with a lot of really funny lines
left and right, one right after the
other. The actor (Todd Babcock) did a really good job in the role, I thought.
Mary Beth was in the first half, as Leslie Detweiler, mob moll/wife of a
murdered mafioso. Leslie is after a
mysterious package left behind by her murdered husband....and thinks Spuds
has it. She wants the package
badly and tries to bribe and seduce Spuds Idaho (and he gives in to some
kisses)...Eventually Spuds uncovers
the truth, and it is revealed that Leslie had her husband killed in order
to inherit some money he was going
to come into thanks to an invention. Mary Beth looked beautiful in a dark
purple...almost black off the shoulder
velvet gown, and long blonde wig. She did a GREAT job, playing up the spoof,
seduction and tongue in cheek humor
throughout. My one complaint is that, since she was only in the first half,
it was way too short.
Opening Night/After the play:
The beautiful flower arrangement sent by The Crystal Tree was sitting prominently
featured in the lobby, where
snacks and champagne were served to guests.
Mary Beth was wearing a really cute outfit. As I remember it, it was a
cream/greenish skirt that hit below the
knees (A-lined I would say) and brown knee length boots, with a colorful
shirt. She had several bouquets of
flowers in her hands.
Mary Beth's three kids and husband were all there. It was wonderful to see
how affectionate/close her family is,
and it was amazing to see how much her kids have all grown up! The room/theatre
is small so it was pretty
packed and Mary Beth greeted everyone warmly. She smiled wide when she saw
fans there and happily
posed for pictures with us.
It was a really fun night--highly recommend it! There is nothing like seeing
your favorite actors onstage where
they really get a chance to shine :)
FYI: Other actors in the audience on opening night included Kyle Lowder (Brady,
Days), Renee Jones (Lexie, Days),
James Reynolds (Abe) and Peter Reckell (Bo) .
Mary Beth Talks To Fans After The Play (Sunday Matinee)
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My Look Back (Play reviews/Event Summaries)
