Studio Arena Theatre brings ‘Shear Madness’ to the Tralf

by Rustie Dimitriadis
Grand Island Dispatch, April 15, 2005

"Shear Madness,” the longest running non-musical play in American theater history, is back by popular demand! This unique comedy/mystery, written in 1963 by German playwright Paul Portner and adapted by Marilyn Abrams and Bruce Jordan, delivers wonderful improvisation, plenty of local references, and lots of laughs.

The play centers around a mysterious death at a present-day unisex hair salon on Buffalo’s Elmwood Avenue. Billed as a “maniacal mystery romp,” “Shear Madness” is a uniquely interactive production in which the audience interrogates suspects and weighs alibis as the murder is reconstructed by the talented six-member cast. Those who had the pleasure of seeing “Shear Madness” at Studio Arena back in the spring of 2003 will recognize the five returning cast members. Buffalo police officer Nick Rossetti is played by Christopher Tarjan, who has filled all four of the play’s male roles in six different cities. The delightfully funny Jimmy Janowski plays salon owner Tony Whitcomb. Other returning cast members include Studio Arena veterans Jeanne Cairns as the well-to-do Mrs. Schubert, James Fuetterer as sidekick detective Mikey Thomas, and Richard Wesp as underhanded antiques dealer Eddie Lawrence. Margot Moreland, who is new to the Buffalo cast, plays hairstylist Barbara DeMarco. Moreland is no stranger to “Shear Madness,” however; she has acted in over 1,000 performances of the show spanning over eight years.
		(Top-Bottom) Jeanne Cairns as Mrs. Shubert, Richard Wesp as Eddie Lawrence, Margot Moreland as Barbara DeMarco and Jimmy Janowski as Tony Whitcomb in SHEAR MADNESS written by Paul Portner and directed by Roger Forbes, running April 3 – May 1, 2005 at The TRALF. For tickets and information, call 716-856-5650 or 1-800-77STAGE. Photo Credit: Jim Bush Photography

Shear Madness has received awards for decades in major cities across the country and around the world. The skillful way the actors adapt the play to the locale is one of the main factors in its success. According to returning director Roger Forbes, “The key is topicality and locality. The show is shaped every performance by events in the real world and by local news. The audiences recognize their own city and lives mirrored in the events unfolding in the Shear Madness salon.”

Audiences will recognize local references ranging from the Buffalo Bills, Cellino and Barnes, and Joel Giambra, to area restaurants and local media personalities. Current event references including the Erie County budget debacle also make their way into the dialogue. Past special appearances have included Baby Joe Mesi and Anthony Masiello.

Remaining performances of “Shear Madness” at the Tralf are April 17-20 and April 26-May 1. Seating is general admission. The Tralf is located at 622 Main St. in Buffalo next door to Shea’s. Call 856-5650 or 1-800-77STAGE for more information or visit www.studioarena.org.