An Amusing ‘Accomplice’

“Share a killing with someone you love” is the central theme of Rupert Holmes’ “Accomplice.” Both a loving tribute and a sly parody of murder mysteries, this play twists and turns and finally wriggles away with a bright, almost-too-clever premise.

Director Jules Aaron fully exploits the story’s laugh-potential and its quirky self-awareness at La Mirada Theatre.

On John Iacovelli’s handsomely appointed moorland cottage set, his talented four-member cast let sparks fly; betrayals and red herrings abound.

The scheming Janet (Laura Wernette) is a sexual leopard ready to pounce on anyone besides her rather tepid and utterly dim husband, Derek (Ron Campbell). As Derek’s brainy partner, Matthew Walker is suitably charming in that pseudo upper-class Brit way, while Jennifer Barlow is an unbelievably airheaded sluttish bimbo dressed in questionable mid-1970s fashion.

Holmes pushes the central conceit into a smarmy, suspense-exhausted conclusion; Aaron compounds the problem by letting the action lag. Overall, this production is a lighthearted, amusing evening of entertainment.

* “Accomplice,” La Mirada Theatre, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; April 19-20, 26-27, 2:30 p.m.; April 20, 27, 7:30 p.m. Ends April 27. $33. (562) 944-9801, (714) 994-6310. Running time: 2 hours, 15 minutes.