Seattle Press on Line - <i>2x4xDeath</i> Melodramatic, Unique

Arts

2x4xDeath Melodramatic, Unique

By Abby Freedman

Nora (Amanda Geyer, far left) is serenaded by Ollie (Tyler Barkley) as audience members look on.

Aug 01, 2002 -- As the name of this murder mystery may imply, this is a goofy, broad comedy. While still enjoyable, this play will not delight anyone who isn't up for a melodrama. The characters are not only exaggerated archetypes, they're just plain strange. Woody Timbers is a ruthless businessman in the timber industry. Betty, his wife, is unfaithful to him at every opportunity. Pierre, her lover, is a childhood friend of Woody's and, despite his long history in the U.S. seems incapable of losing his thick French accent. Woody's daughter, Nora, has become a tree hugger. In fact, she's part of Militant Hippies for Trees, or MHFT, pronounced "miffed." So she is horrified by her father's cruel attitude toward Mother Earth. Her boyfriend, Ollie, is also part of MHFT but also, by cover of mask and cape, the Dread Orca--self-proclaimed scourge of corporations that threaten the environment. So when Woody is murdered with an ax that everyone has held, who is to blame?

Perhaps what is most unique about this work, besides the blending of murder mystery, dinner theater and melodrama, is its nature as an interactive show. There is no stage. Instead, the actors move in and around the tables while diners look on. After salad and cornbread are served, Act I takes place, leading up to the murder. After dinner is on the table, the actors come to sit at the table, to converse with the audience in character. Act II has the suspects being questioned by the detective in the play. Finally, as dessert is eaten, the actors go from table to table, answering two or three questions from each group of people. Then, audience members write down their guesses and hand them in. Once the murderer is announced, prizes are given to the groups who guessed correctly.

This was a very fun experience, overall. Though the performances were a bit uneven at times, this can mostly be chalked up to opening night: It was the first time that this "interactive" play was actually interactive. Lisa Gallo, as Betty, was notable as constantly keeping character, and reacting even to minor events. Amanda Geyer, as Nora, was also laudable, with obvious improvisation skills and a real liking for her character.

In addition, the food was excellent. The salad's vinaigrette was light but tangy and the cornbread was not the grainy kind that plagues many eateries, but instead soft and thoroughly tasty. The smoked-herb chicken (the other option is smoked keta salmon) was wonderful and, though quite hungry, I could only finish one breast--the other being eagerly snatched up by my companion who also sang the food's praises. The garlic mashed potatoes were a tad bit dry, but the restaurant served butter in abundance so that was quickly remedied. Finally, the wild blueberry ice cream, which I was prepared for, having let the chicken settle in my stomach for some 20 minutes, was amazing. In fact, it was so creamy that I again could not finish more than five or six bites. And again, my companion did not let my leftovers go to waste.

Overall, 2x4xDeath was a rousing success, as much for its innovation as for its players' abilities. Though some may blanch at $50 per ticket, they would do well to remember they are getting not only a whodunit and memorable night of hilarity, but also a thoroughly delicious meal.

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Patrick Martin	Oct 15, 2002	Seattle	General Manager
We are in Seattle the weekend of 13 December. We are a group of ~50 people looking for a corporate outing. Do you tailor to groups and are you available either Saturday or Sunday evening? Patrick Martin ANZUS, Inc.


Liz	Dec 09, 2002
where is this place located????