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REVIEW: Murdered to Death at Round Rock’s Sam Bass Community Theatre

It was nice to be back at my old community theatre home, Sam Bass Theatre in Round Rock. I have always loved this little theatre tucked back into the woods, with lots of room to

grow.

This time, I was at the old depot stage for the Texas premiere of Murdered to Death by Peter Gordon. Director Lyn Beaver brought the play across the pond and did a wonderful job putting the cast through their paces.

I have to give some major credit to Frank Benge, as the sergeant - or was that Inspector Pratt… Honesty, I was a little bored in the beginning of the show - until Inspector Pratt showed up and took over the story.

With any good British comedy, when there is a funny man, there is a straight man to make the funny man "funny." That job falls to David Dunlap as "Constable Thompkins."

This was the first time I have seen Mr. Dunlap on the stage, and I can report that he is very talented. I hope to see him in a drama soon, for he has great potential for future award-winning performances.

You could tell that the actors all enjoyed their roles and fit together well as an ensemble. However, the star of the show was Cici Barone; she lights up any stage - especially when she can play the sultry siren. Miss Barone first stole my heart in a local production of The

Women, and she did it again in Murdered to Death.

If you have been following my reviews, you know that I am a big fan of physical humor - especially when performers use physicality to induce emotion. The award for "Best Physical Humor" in this show goes to Craig Kanne as "Bunting," the faithful butler - he was a real treat to watch.

However, I had problems with Nikki Bora's portrayal of "Mildred Bagshot." I don't know whether it was intentional or not, but the accent that was her character became grating - and did not come across at all British. It more resembled a teenage boy trying to sound like a little old lady during a prank call. I was rather glad when her part of the plotline was finished.

On the up side, her costume was fabulous. And not just her costume, but all of costume designer Veronica Prior's choices were fantastic - right down to the jewelry.

Known as "Ronni" to her friends, Mrs. Prior consistently creates incredible costumes - and she is also a very talented actress. Her portrayal of "Mrs. Maple" - a parody to Miss Marple - was outstanding. Prior has always been gifted in emulating accents, and she does a fantastic job as the crime solver extraordinaire.

Sam Bass Theatre has created a very entertaining, and a good family-friendly show. Just be prepared for the LOUD gun shots!

I give this show "3.5 out of 5 Stars" - a true achievement for "the little theatre that could."

Performances of Murdered to Death run Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for general admission; $13 for seniors, students, educators, and military; and $10 for all Thursday performances.

The Sam Bass Community Theatre is located in Memorial Park at 600 North Lee Street in Round Rock. For information and reservations, call (512) 244-0440 or visit www.SamBassTheatre.org.

(Photos by Nadina Rose - from top:

- [top - left to right] David Dunlap, Nikki Bora, Richard Dodwell, Craig Kanne, Jan Phillips,

Sean Hunter, Cici Barone; [bottom - left to right] Dyann Green and Veronica Prior;

- Nikki Bora and Craig Kanne.)