STAGE REVIEW : Odd Characters Buoy ‘Musical Comedy Murders’

Whodunits, with their arch characters and exaggerated plot turns, are ready made for teasing. One of the best murder mystery spoofs is “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940,” now at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center’s Theater-on-the-Green.

The Resident Theatre Company of Fullerton, under Allison Liddi’s direction, dives right into John Bishop’s comedy, thickening the silly accents and gassing up the outlandish acting. The first act, which sets up the goofy elements surrounding the unmasking of the deadly “Stagedoor Slasher,” is better than the production’s whole--the second act is a tad labored and confusing--but this is still an engaging, often witty show.

The plot is stubbornly chaotic, hanging loosely on a murderer lurking about as an eccentric group of show-biz types gather in an isolated mansion to rehearse. As with most whodunits, the odd characters are the ones that usually keep us interested, and there are several here, kiddingly played by this capable cast.

We might as well start with the mysterious, goose-stepping maid, Helsa (Holly Cardone), who at one moment appears almost nude, hanging dead in a closet, and the next is serving a tray full of appetizers. Then there’s foppish Roger Hopewell (Bruce Dent), a songwriter of dubious talent who collaborates with the boozing Bernice Roth (Elisabeth Graham).

Bishop has thrown a comic into this bunch, the wise-guy Eddie McCuen (Mark Edward Hawkins) and his love interest, the mouthy chorine, Nikki Crandall (Kat Van Schaik). There are assorted other characters as well, all watched over by the seemingly amiable director, Ken De La Maize (Kevin Skousen).

Of course, any one of these folks could be the bad guy, and the usual clues are laid about to help the audience do its own detective work. But Bishop is more interested in generating gags--some corny, some fresh--at the mystery form’s expense. You can enjoy this comedy even if you are completely baffled by what is going on.

The staging at the Muckenthaler is atmospheric, owing much to Steven Pliska’s well-crafted lighting. The comic scenes have an almost garish spotlighting; the more dangerous scenes, all in shadows, have the right eeriness. Mela Hoyt-Heydon’s costumes complement the overall look.

Gil Morales’ set is fairly ambitious for this kind of theater, involving all sorts of revolving doors and hidden spaces. It also captures the appearance of a wealthy mansion, while adding the needed edge of colorful satire.

‘THE MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF 1940’

A Resident Theatre Company production of John Bishop’s comedy. Directed by Allison Liddi. With Holly Cardone, Mark Edward Hawkins, Barbara Pierce, Bruce Dent, Beth Ellen Ivens, Kevin Skousen, Kat Van Schaik, Elisabeth Graham, Al Morris and Cress Williams. Set by Gil Morales. Lighting by Steven Pliska. Costumes by Mela Hoyt-Heydon. Sound by Brad Williams. Makeup and hair by Aarow Bond. Plays Thursday through Sunday at 8:15 p.m. (dinner at 7 p.m.) through Sept. 3 at 1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton. Tickets: $12 to $22. (714) 992-7432.