Shear Madness at the Hipp

Friday, 04 June 2010 11:32

There wasn’t a moment of silence. With laughter coming from every seat in the Hippodrome State Theatre on Thursday night (June 3), it’s no wonder Shear Madness has been seen by more than 9.2 billion people.

By Mary Manchess; Photos provided to INsite

Just from the looks of the set, you know this isn’t your typical murder mystery and you’re in for a good time. The flowery wallpaper alone would give Dolly Parton’s character, Truvy Jones, from Steel Magnolias a run for her money.

Tonight, not just the main stage, but the entire theatre will be turned into a salon to welcome this extended summer-run production, which will have eight shows a week.

The six-member cast will be roaming around, interacting with attendees. Stylists from local salons, such as Scissors and Salon 5462, will be doing everything from updos to blow-outs that are red-carpet worthy.

Don’t get too caught up in the glamour, though. The real fun starts when it’s show time.

Overall, this production has some amazing details. The set includes a functioning sink, where several characters actually get their hair shampooed. And to further add to Tony Whitcomb’s flamboyant character, he sports an earring in his right ear and Apple Bottom jeans.

The plot goes something like this: After a corpse is discovered, a typical day in a hair salon turns chaotic as everyone (except for the cops, of course) becomes a suspect. This creative script will keep you laughing with its jabs at current events, celebrities and gossip, and everything local. But the best part of the show is when the lights go up, and the six-member cast throws away the script and plays off of the audience’s participation.

This is one production you want to pay attention to, as you’ll be solving the crime. Even during intermission, you’ll want to pay attention as no-nonsense cop Scott Rosetta, played by Gregory Jones, walks off stage to speak with audience members by the bar. There, attendees get to share their theories on “whodunit.”

If you decide to stay put, the other cast members will keep you entertained, trying to manipulate you to believe their testimonies. Every production will have an alternate ending, depending on the audience’s input.

It’s no wonder this production holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-running play in American History. It’s that good.

Shear Madness will be playing at the main stage of the Hippodrome starting June 4. Tickets are $30. (The preview plays were June 2 and 3.) However, students with a Gator 1 card pay $12.

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