Arts Stage - Seattle Rage

Okay, it’s supposed to be summer, and summer is the time for light, bright summer theatre. Taproot has come up with just the right fluffy nonsense to fill that bill. It’s a murder mystery musical whose cast gets killed off, one by one, during their supposedly jolly weekend at the country estate of Lord Rancour. What we have is a spoof on all whodunits with a tip of the hat to famous detective writers.

“Something’s Afoot” premiered in 1972 and has been a staple at theatres around the country ever since. Director Scott Nolte and his crew and cast have provided all the requisite bells and whistles—ingenious stagecraft, good vocals, and snappy band. With Edd Key as musical director, you know there’s going to be the necessary big sound, and there is. The only problem for me was Jenny Cross as the crucial character, Miss Tweed, amateur detective. Hers is the pivotal role, and she played it too much like a nanny rather than as Ms. Marple.

Given the space restrictions at Taproot, a production of this magnitude required some ingenuity. They solved the problem by placing the band out of sight below the stage. This is not an ideal arrangement, but they made it work. On the night I saw it, the timing couldn’t have been better.

There’s a reason why this musical parody is so popular. It’s just such a good piece of theatre. Taproot is celebrating its 35th Anniversary this year. It’s been their best season since I’ve been in Seattle (13 of those years).

Through August 13 at Taproot Theatre Company, 204 North 85th St., Seattle; (206 781-9707 or www.taproottheatre.org/buy-tickets/)