No Escape!
Reviewed by Debbie McClure
Everyone loves a good murder mystery. At least that’s the thinking of the new owners of a lakeside resort who are looking to increase revenue. When Brett and Viv inherit the old family mansion on Lake Huron, they dream of starting a country resort, but the couple have very different visions of what a tourist destination should be. For Viv: a spa, and quiet retreat. But for Brett, it’s a murder mystery themed escape room. When things don’t go as planned, people can behave in shocking ways. Resort to Murder, a mystery with a surprise twist, is now on stage at the Blyth Festival Memorial Hall in Blyth.
Reading a murder mystery or watching it in a performance is one thing, but when it happens to you, well, let’s just say it’s not all fun and games. For Brett, Viv, Gayle, Josh, and Silas being trapped in an escape room with a murderer brings out the best and the worst in people we think we know. Resort To Murder tells a dark tale of murder, vengeance, and mayhem.
Quips and one-liners lighten the mood and offer glimpses into each character’s unique personality and history — and possibly a motive. As the story plays out, a little more is revealed about who they are and what drives them, culminating with some unexpected results! Just when the audience is sure they’ve figured it out, the characters are led down a path of discovery to a surprising ending.
Playwright Birgitte Solem is reportedly thrilled to be back at Blyth and brings over 10 years of experience writing site-specific dinner theatre mysteries and asking the question of “whodunnit” with skill and humour.
With eight seasons at the Blyth Theatre and numerous seasons at the Stratford Festival, director Randy Hughson offers a level of understanding and finesse to the performance and timing of this production, which are key elements to any good scary murder mystery.
The lighting and set design are spot-on. When the lights go out and lightning flashes, the audience responds with sharp intakes of breath as they await the next frightening reveal.
As Silas, played by Geoffrey Armour, Josh, played by Landon Doak, Brett, played by Jamie Mac, Viv, played by Fiona Mongillo, and Gayle, played by Hallie Seline can attest, all is not as it seems, and there’s no escaping the truth. For anyone who loves a good scare and murder mystery, I’d highly recommend Resort To Murder. Be prepared to be surprised!
Resort To Murder continues at the Blyth Festival Memorial Hall until August 31st. Tickets are available at 519-523-9300 / 1-877-862-5984 or go to https://blythfestival.com/.
Photo: Hallie Seline as Gayle. Photography by Gemma James Smith.
Resort To Murder
By Birgitte Solem
Directed by Randy Hughson
Performed by Geoffrey Armour, Landon Doak, Jamie Mac, Fiona Mongillo, Hallie Seline
Blyth Festival, 423 Queen Street, Blyth, Ontario
July 24th to August 31st, 2024
Reviewed by Debbie McClure