Whodunit to Whom? Thrills and Deadly Chills in ‘Murder’

Edward Taylor’s “Murder by Misadventure” might be the niftiest thriller to come along in quite a while. Even if you’ve seen the play before, some of its kinks and surprises can be startling.

Webster defines “misadventure” as an unlucky accident, a mishap. What better way to commit the perfect murder than by having it look accidental? What better weapon than hypothermia--stranding your victim in below-freezing temperatures with no way to escape?

That’s the basic idea for a new television mystery by a top British writing team, Harold Kent and Paul Riggs. It also becomes the method by which Kent decides to rid himself of drunken lout Riggs. The idea was Riggs’, and he deserves to die by his own cleverness.

His cleverness goes beyond that, though, and Taylor has added his own twists and turns to this tidy little sendup of thrillers. Who is doing what to whom? It doesn’t become clear until the last five seconds of the play, in what well may be one of the most startling and hilarious final curtains of all time.

At the Long Beach Playhouse, director Michael Ross knows that speed is of utmost importance to a romp like this, and he keeps everything moving at a comfortable, effective clip. He has also cast the show stylishly.

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The character of Riggs is the linchpin. It’s imperative that Riggs have immense charm: The audience must not trust him but must genuinely like him. Mark Schuliger oozes charm in the role and blends it subtly with a forthright feeling of unease.

If Schuliger’s Riggs is the con man of the hour, Andrew Biss’ Harold Kent is a true example of the interior man: This character has little imagination, just stolid dedication to his own well-being. Biss makes much of Kent’s astonishment at plans gone awry, without once becoming mannered or stereotypical.

Austyn Wells, as Kent’s wife, Emma, also is strong. Emma’s nervousness is not what it seems, and her strength is more than she would like others to know.

Mitchell Nunn is funny, charming and pretty authentic as Inspector Egan, who is looking for more than answers. Gloria Maria is undistinguished in a small yet pivotal role.

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* “Murder by Misadventure,” Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St. Fridays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sunday, May 4, 2 p.m. Ends May 17. $10-$15. (562) 494-1616. Running time: 2 hours, 25 minutes.

Andrew Biss: Harold Kent

Mark Schuliger: Paul Riggs

Austyn Wells: Emma Kent

Mitchell Nunn: Police Inspector Egan

Gloria Maria: Woman

A Long Beach Playhouse production of a play by Edward Taylor, directed by Michael Ross. Scenic design: R. Todd Parker. Lighting design: Jeremy Lazzara. Production supervisor: Elaine Herman. Assistant director-stage manager: Sharon Maxwell.