Drury Lane Oakbrook Now  Showing
THE MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF 1940
Until January 7, 2005 until February 27, 2005

Michael Mitchell, Gene Weygandt and Elic Bramlett discuss
an issue in The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940

"THE MUSICAL
COMEDY MURDERS OF 1940"

"THE MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF 1940" at the Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook January 7, 2005 until February 27, 2005 review by Ed Vincent This topsy turvey mystery plays well on the excellent stage design by Kurt Sharp.  The hidden passages and electrical trouble adds to the snow and blocked roads to give a special feel to this setting of intrigue and false clues. It is a fun story and fits in well with Drury Lane's desire to please its audience with tasteful bawdy humor and delights.  Nicely performed by an ensemble of professional actors, performing everything from chorus girls to Nazis.  Roger Hopewell, playing Aaron Hunt, appears on stage and had me take notice, for at first, I thought he was Simon Callow.  His make up for this role looks almost identical to look that Simon Callow had when he performed Dickens in Chicago a few years back. Ray Frewen, the Artistic Director of the Drury Lane is gem with all of the fine performances he has helped bring to life in Oakbrook.  This is fine show and there are times to suit all needs. Michael Mitchell and Fiona Bergin prepare for a song after discussing chemistry. photo by Greg Kolack DRURY LANE OAKBROOK Ray Frewen, Artistic Director THE MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF 1940 begins January 7, 2005 at DRURY LANE OAKBROOK. The mystery spoof ‘The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 will run at Drury Lane Theatre from January 7, 2005 until February 27, 2005, marking the fifth and final show of their 2004 — 2005 season. The comic thriller, written by John Bishop, opened on Broadway in 1987 to both critical raves and audience approval. Ray Frewen will direct, and Press Night will be Thursday, January 13 at 8:00pm. Set in a Chappaqua, NY mansion on a snowy night in 1940, the comedy centers on a theatrical troupe who have gathered to audition for the backers of their next show. Over the course of the play, there are slashed chorus girls, mysterious maids, a Nazi agent, an Irish cop, a comedian, a Naval officer and many others, all of whom are trapped by a blizzard in a mansion filled with sliding panels and secret corridors. No one is quite what they seem, of course, until all is revealed at the final hilarious moment. Leading the cast as the tireless musical comedy writers are Iris Lieberman and Aaron Hunt. Making up the rest of the stock murder-mystery-spoof players will be Fiona Bergin, Elic Bramlett, Susan Gosdik, Glory Kissell, Catherine Lord, Michael Mitchell, Steve Ratcliff, and Gene Weygandt. The design team working with Ray Frewen will be Carol Blanchard (costumes); Kurt Sharp (sets); and Mary Badger (lighting). January 7— February 27, 2005 Performance Schedule: Wednesday at 8pm; Thursday at 2PM and 8PM; Friday at 8:30PM; Saturday at 5:30PM and 9:00PM; Sunday at 2:30PM and 7:00PM. Ticket Prices: Show-only prices from $22 to $26 (depending on the day of the week) Dinner and Theatre Packages starting at $40.75. Box Office Hours: Monday and Tuesday 9AM-5PM; Wednesday through Saturday 9AM-8PM; Sunday 1 1AM-7PM. Reservations:    (630) 530-0111. All major credit cards accepted. Free Parking/Handicap Accessible.

This play is a
 
 
 

  Tickets are also available
through TicketMaster, at 312-902-1500.  Student prices are
available or for group sales call (630) 530-8300.

The Drury Lane Box office can be reached
at 630-530-0111
TicketMaster outlets at    312-902-1500
Group Sales    630-530-8300