Hey, I just saw a raw, un-costumed and unpolished rehearsal of the Royal Oak Players’ upcoming dinner theater production of “You Know the Old Slaying.” You can bet that I’ll be on hand to see the finished version on either Jan. 30 or 31 at the Holston Hills Country Club in Marion, Va. It’s going to be that good.
After all, how could it miss when, less than 20 minutes into the show, the leading man, a posturing puffery of prima paternalistic pomposity, discovers himself quite deliciously deceased, the victim of a rat poison laced latté – with just a touch of cinnamon. And one, some or all of his fellow traveling actors starring appear to be the offing angel with motives, opportunities and wherewithal’s aplenty.
But which one or ones riffed the rat?
Could it be the hardworking, underappreciated and underpaid stage manager (Angelia Richardson Aker)?
Might the killer perhaps resemble the frazzled blonde used-to-be-star of stage and screen (Joanie McCleary) who is now reduced to working one-night stand dinner theaters?
The dead star’s understudy (Ace Howard) has long been just dying to get his chance, but has never been allowed on stage by the now toes-up prima Donald who never missed a show – until now. Perhaps a bit of good old strychnine could have opened up an onstage slot?
What about the sexy bimbo (Amanda Walters), for that matter, who reputedly has shared a blanket with hundreds of lonesome guys, including the one that somebody has just tucked in for the big sleep?
Or might it be the pretty, quiet one who tries to hold everything together (Angi Burnop)?
Well, you, the audience, will get to decide. And however the audience votes, that’s the way the play goes from there on in. Yep, the Players have five endings all rehearsed and ready.
Multiple, audience-dictated endings are not necessarily a new thing, but for a small troupe it is a pretty daring leap and how well it works will depend heavily upon audience participation. My guess is they will pull it off, especially if the audience includes a few rowdies who’ve been by the cash bar a time or three – in addition to me, that is.
“You Know the Old Slaying” will take the boards on Friday and Saturday evenings, January 30 and 31, at the Holston Hills Country Club in Marion. Admission is a mere double-sawbuck ($20) which is a deal difficult to refuse. Reservations should be made by calling (276) 783-8118, 783-9791 or 783-3920. Dinner, prepared by Holston Hills’ executive chef Cathy Cook, begins at 6 and the show gets underway at 7:30. I’d just watch who gets near my latté if I were you.
ROBERT McKINNEY is a freelance writer. He may be reached at features@bristolnews.com.
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