Right when you think it's all figured out, think again! Mike Woody reviews "Sleuth" now through May 7 at La Comedia Dinner Theatre.
Review: Sleuth at La Comedia Dinner Theatre
Sports are at their best when the lead goes back and forth between the participants. The winner in doubt, until the very end is the trait of a great game, whether it’s the Super Bowl or Corn Hole. The game within Sleuth between Andrew Wyke and Milo Tindle, has very high stakes, and the winner comes down to the last shot, literally. The tightly matched battle results in a high level of suspense, making it enjoyable for the audience. The game itself is constantly evolving. Speaking metaphorically, I thought I was watching football, but after halftime (intermission) ends up that it was basketball. With Sleuth, nothing is exactly how it appears to be, everything should be questioned, including the biographies in the program.
To avoid spoilers, I can only provide minimal information about the show. There is one key detail I can reveal, which is pretty earth-shattering. Sleuth marks the return of the Tom Brady of La Comedia…Chris Kramer. For such a high-stakes game, only Kramer could play the part of mystery writer, Andrew Wyke. Unlike with his stories though, Wyke can’t push ‘delete’ when he finds himself entrapped within his own true crime story. His opponent, though a rookie to the La Comedia stage, Vincent Gibbs, performs like a veteran as Milo Tindle. The pair share a lot of stage time together, with a heavy load of dialogue, which they spew out effortlessly. Their relationship is unique, as it's Tindle’s desire to wed Wyke’s wife. As expected the resulting conversation is complex, but for reasons beyond imagination.
The game played between the two is not related to any sport nor does it have any rules. Items all around the set, which is of Wyke’s mansion, become part of the action. It’s not a musical, but a different type of La Comedia experience. Rather than leaving with a song in your head, your trip home will be spent trying to solve the mysteries presented.
A special mention must be given to Dave Gabert (Scenic Design/Carpenter) as for the second straight show the set has been extraordinary. The level of detail in Wyke’s mansion is very impressive and adds much realism. The set itself deserves billing as a cast member.
Thankfully, there is no mystery meat on the buffet. There’s nothing to question about the food, it’s as good as always. Nothing else in Sleuth though is as it appears to be. Right when you think it’s all figured out, think again, because the game likely changed.
