A fine night of murder and improv

The Quick as a Wink Theatre Society (QAAWS) has struck gold again. The Churchill House in Hantsport was aghast June 28 with threats, innuendos and accusations during the one-night only production of Final Cut, an interactive murder mystery where everyone is suspect. The result was an evening of drama and improv at it’s finest.

In Final Cut, a game created by Susan Haley of Haley productions, the audience becomes part of the performance, taking on characters and mingling with the cast to figure out “whodunit.”

The intrigue begins when movie director Eddie Cheek, played by Michel Doyon, throws a gala event to find backers for his new B movie, The Zombie is an Alien, and announces the ditsy star lead Cherri Pitt, Junie Hutchinson-Barnes, would be replaced by the always difficult Nova Devoe, Cathy Macmillan.

Through a series of skits, the 12-member cast drew the audience in, tempting them with clues, outbursts and even a cat fight -- all close up and personal. The roles were hilariously written and executed, but the brilliance was in the improv.

Don’t know what to expect

Although the plot was provided, even the cast could not predict what would happen next, as audience members questioned their every move in an effort to seek out the guilty party. Staying in character for the entire evening proved challenging for the amateur crew.

“You really have no idea what to expect next,” said Doug Murley, who played the handsome rogue, Rock Stud. “When you’re on stage you can block out the audience, but this is a whole different ball of wax; you really have to think on your feet.” On one hand, he said, there are fewer lines to memorize, but a lot more improv.

“It worked well because everyone stayed in character and people came prepared,” Murley noted. “This was so much fun; I hope we do it again.”

Alan Tupper, who was darling as Quinnie Winston the make-up artist-come-actor, agreed the evening was a success, but exhausting at the same time. “It’s a lot of fun, but difficult to be that character, and you never let your guard down,” he said. “When you feel it slipping, you need to pick it back up again to keep the hype going for the audience.”

Directorial debut

Final Cut was QAAWS member Josie Lake’s directorial debut. Because so much of the production success came down to audience participation, she said her role was more of organizer than director. “I’ve never directed before, but the cast are just such a blast, and there was the perfect size audience for this type of production.”

This was definitely not a rest on your laurels kind of event. The audience got what they gave by embracing their character and working the room with a little help from the cast.

The three young actresses who made up Nora Devoe’s fan club were charming. Jasmine Hare who played Tallulah Jordan, Eddie’s assistant, should be credited for keeping the room a-buzz with hot gossip all evening.

Macmillan and Sindy Strong as Billie Clubb certainly shone, but Barns stole the show as the irrepressible blonde bombshell.

And the location couldn’t have been more fitting for an evening of intrigue, said QAAW founder Michelle Herx. “The Churchill House really lends to the atmosphere.” The great refreshments didn’t hurt either.

Herx said Final Cut was a perfect fit for the company. “We like to try different things all the time. I could see us taking this on the road.”

Without giving away the ending, this show is highly recommended for those who like a little drama in their lives -- and a touch of mystery.



A repeat performance is in the works for this summer date and location have not yet been confirmed