Greater Boston Stage Company Serves Up Murder, Mayhem, and Laughter

I wanted a haircut, and now I am involved in a murder interrogation. 

Greater Boston Stage Company (GBSC) opens its 27th season with “Shear Madness,” an interactive murder-comedy that’s set in a hair salon. Hair stylists and customers are under investigation for the murder of an elderly pianist living above the salon.

Barbershops, murder mysteries, and extreme hilarity. “Shear Madness” is a riot at Greater Boston Stage Company. My cheeks hurt from laughing by the end. This audience-interactive whodunit is a clever and entertaining mystery. It’s also the definition of what theater is all about: a shared experience where audiences get to be part of the fun.

A team of six talented actors put their comedy and improv skills to the test. Each actor is a natural in comedy. They are so fun to watch onstage. Their quick timing, playful chemistry, and ability to think on their feet keep the audience laughing. 

Tyler Rosati is the king of comedy. He plays the flamboyant Tony Whitcomb, who frolics around the stage with scissors in hand. He delivers the funniest lines and reactions. I was really laughing when he kept squirting endless amounts of shaving cream into his hand. 

You may recognize Mark Linehan (Eddie Lawrence) and Ceit Zweil (Barbara DeMarco), who were last seen on the GBSC stage in “Annie” as Rooster and Ms. Hannigan. Eddie is a stern businessman, while Barbara is a sassy salon employee. 

For ten years, I have seen Cheryl L. McMahon at North Shore Music Theatre in “A Christmas Carol” as the frantic Mrs. Dilber. This was my first time seeing her in a completely different role. McMahon plays Mrs. Shubert, a wealthy salon customer. My favorite moment was Mrs. Shubert continuously ranting every time the closet door re-opened.

Joseph Marrella (Nick O’Brien) and Alex Leodedis (Mikey Thomas) play the undercover cops. They can’t tell which is more insane: the murder case or the complete madness of the hair salon. They enforce a fresh good-cop/bad-cop dynamic. Marella does an excellent job of leading the investigation, even staying in character during intermission.

“Shear Madness” has a unique twist that sets it apart from other shows: the audience becomes a part of the investigation. Before the first act ends, the lights come up, and the actors turn to the audience to ask them what they remember. Suddenly, we’re not audience members anymore; we’re detectives.

The audience interaction is the best part of “Shear Madness.” You know what they say: an elephant never forgets. Several photographic elephants filled the auditorium, pointing out clues and small details that others may have missed. 

As you enter the theater, a realistic and colorful hair salon set sits onstage, built by the Misfit Toys Theatrical Company. From salon chairs, mirrors, and mouse bottles, the set feels like a real neighborhood hair salon. Music from the decades plays, and celebrity magazines sit around the shop. 

Co-directors Liv Dumaine and Rosati bring a lively and hysterical theater piece to the stage. As they said, the world needs laughter right now. No show is ever the same. Each audience gets something different. According to Rosati, even the actors don’t know what will happen until a certain cue during the show. 

Belly laughter filled the entire auditorium. As I said, one of my favorite parts of comedy is hearing individual laughter. People shrieked, cackled, and applauded the unbelievable shenanigans. 

How do I describe the comedy? Well, you’ll have to witness it for yourself. Several gags pinch fun at local humor. “Shear Madness” is at GBSC in Stoneham, MA until Sunday, Oct. 11. I had so much fun laughing and watching the show. It’s a fun time for all. You may have to make two trips to the theater.