Theatre group returns to stage with original murder mystery.
Feast of Fools presents the murder-mystery event Murder in Old Italy on February 11, 6:30 p.m. with dinner starting at 7 p.m., at The Assembly Hall, 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Dr. Here, at left, Michael Marando plays Johnny Gigolo while Rob Gorican plays Don Prvolone.
Courtesy photo
After a two-year hiatus, Etobicoke's own Feast of Fools Theatre is back to once again entertain audiences with its unique and original theatre productions.
In the past, the group has performed three productions each season, a murder mystery, a Christmas pantomime and a musical, all original pieces of theatre written by the group. To celebrate its return, the group has decided to perform its inaugural murder mystery called 'Murder in Old Italy.'
First performed in 2005, founder of the group and director of the show, Rob Gorican, said they had great success with their first production of this show, and thought what better way to re-enter onto the scene with a show people enjoyed the first time around.
As well, they are the only group in Etobicoke that stage murder mysteries, so it's a unique opportunity for theatre-goers and a much different experience than going to watch a formal play.
"The biggest difference is the interaction with the audience because we're right there with them and beside them and we involve them in the show, so I think that's what they really enjoy that they become a part of the action," Gorican said.
An original piece created by the theatre group with the script written by Ken MacDougall, Gorican said each murder mystery they create always has a theme that lends itself to unique and funny circumstances and colourful storytelling. Old Italy and all things Italian is this show's theme and there is no shortage of things to have fun with.
This includes colourful and larger-than-life characters such as Mama Mozzarella, Don Provolone, played by Gorican, and Franny Fromaggio.
Andrea Lyons, who plays Mama, said the theme of old Italy is a fun one to delve into because you instantly think of mob movies like 'Scarface' and 'The Godfather,' and this show is a spoof on these kinds of stereotypes.
"It's fun working with the ideas of the mob and old Italy," Lyons said. "Just the idea of the mafia and all the underground criminal world from a fish seller to a gun runner, so it just lends itself well to a murderous crime spoof."
This show is set after a wedding and in a big fat Italian-style reception and while the cast play members of the family, the audience is invited to be the guests at the reception.
Presented in a standard murder mystery format, the audience will be introduced to the cast of players, a murder is committed then dinner is served. Since murder mysteries are based largely on clues and hints revealed throughout the show, Gorican said, "The more details the audience knows, the less surprised they're going to be," so the bulk of the storyline is kept secret.
However, the fun of this style of theatre is the performers breaking the fourth wall and interacting with the audience. They walk around from table to table dropping hints throughout the reception and involving the audience in the action.
"Not only do we enjoy ourselves, but we're okay if we break (character)," Lyons said. "We laugh and if we make each other laugh, we want the audience to enjoy it."
The evening also acts as a fundraiser for the theatre group, and all money raised from the evening, which includes a silent auction, goes towards their next production. Spiga will be catering the event so the food will be traditional Italian fare with a vegetarian option available.
Since the show is held on the weekend before Valentine's Day, Gorican said it's a great event to bring your date, or to enjoy with friends or family.
Murder in Old Italy is on Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m. with dinner starting at 7 p.m., at The Assembly Hall, 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Dr. Tickets are $42 or $300 for a table of eight before Jan. 30, or $48 and $350 afterwards. Tickets can be ordered at www.feastoffoolstheatre.com or by calling 416-455-9038. For more information, visit Feast of Fool on their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter at feastoffools1