If performances of My My How Nice Productions’ latest offering, ‘Murder in Two Parts’ at the Bravo! Theatre, are anything like the dress rehearsal I saw, the audiences will be thrilled!
Expertly directed by theater and film professional Bernadette Jones, it features two female characters in each of two one-act dark comedies about power, passion and possibly more than one murder.
All aspects of these two contrasting, occasionally similar shows are exceptionally well done: from Alan Marsh’s inspired two-set design and Leslie Yanko’s costumes, all the way to the perceptive and skillful performances of former professional actors Jayme Littlejohn and Roseann Wilshere.
The first play is “Two Sisters” by Caroline Harding, set in the 1880s. Without giving too much away, it begins after the shocking discovery that coffins have been delivered to the sisters’ homes. The plot surrounds their reminiscences as they try to unravel the reason for this unpleasant and unexplained delivery. Played deadpan it is extremely funny and occasionally poignant.
The limping Anya (Littlejohn) is convinced that the Grim Reaper’s arrival is imminent and Sonya (Wilshere) tries to cheer her up, as they both take solace in Anya’s favorite tipple, vodka. Becoming maudlin, Anya wonders aloud, “Where did life go?” Losing patience. Sonya comments, “Well, you’ve poured a lot of it down your neck.”
The purple silk lined coffin dominates the bleak apartment – and the conversation – as Anya and Sonya argue, discuss and console each other while reflecting on past events. At one point, Anya’s insensitive attitude to her own promiscuous behavior provokes Sonya to accuse her of being, “… an expert on other people’s husbands.” To which Anya promptly responds, “Well, I never looked twice at yours!”
The plot twists and turns in unexpected directions and the – occasionally black – humor is well written and expertly played all the way to the surprising ending.
During the interval, the set is transformed into the beautifully decorated, colorful and luxurious 1980’s themed office,of Ms. Asquith (Wilshere) for “The Way of all Fish” by Elaine May.
The scene opens to Asquith and her secretary, Miss Riverton (Littlejohn). Their clothes and hair are remarkably accurate and the entire spectacle is exceptionally well drawn.
The pair are finishing up work for the day and Asquith is angry with Riverton, complaining, “I’ve gained three pounds because I couldn’t find my exercise elastic!”
This time the discussion-lubricating beverage of choice is a “rather nice” bottle of wine, followed by saki, and the intriguing storyline proceeds from there.
Again, the script is beautifully crafted and acted. It is impossible to add more without spoiling the experience, suffice to say there are many laughs, some major shocks and several surprises along the way.
The level of professionalism in every aspect of this production, combined with the intimate surroundings of its presentation, make this a memorable and thoroughly enjoyable experience and highly recommended.
Stage Manager: Diane Jones, Props: Arleen Pace, Set Construction: Alan Marsh and Richard Bansbach, Set Dresser: Leslie Yanko, Lighting Design: Ricardo Perez, Lighting Operation: Pierre Huot, Sound Design and Operation, Karen Lee.
Eight performances are set for Thursday, September 10 through Sunday, September 13 and Thursday, September 17 through Sunday, September 20. Show times on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays are 7:30 p.m. Sundays at 3 p.m.
Tickets on September 11 and 12: pay what you can. For all other performances the cost is 250 pesos, available from Diane Pearl Colecciones, Mia’s Boutique or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">.