Scares on the stage

For most people, November is just that filler month between Halloween and Christmas, especially when most Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving in October. As we anticipate the first snowfall of the season, we are left with questions such as, when is the appropriate time to put away the monsters, ghouls, and witch decor? Is it too soon to deck these halls? And do I buy eggnog or rent it?

As we await the season of giving for a few more weeks, it’s not too late to have one more spooky experience by checking out Murder With Ghosts. I had the opportunity to catch the first of four nights at Kateri Hall, and while I thought I was strapped in for another murder mystery, filled with the usual twists and tricks, this show has quite a different take on the regular whodunnits.

Whether you believe in the afterlife, science fiction or not. Personally, I love a good ghost story, with some of my favourite movies revolving around the occasional poltergeist. Murder With Ghosts not only paid tribute to some of my favorite movies such as The Sixth Sense, The Frighteners, and Beetlejuice, just to name a few, but also set up a hilarious narrative that had the audience chuckling in their seats. As dramatic as it was hysterical, I can say I have not had that much fun at a play in quite some time.

The show centres around a wealthy woman whose life becomes endangered when it’s made aware of who is to receive her fortune upon her passing. While many of the characters are invested in chasing after that almighty dollar, they will all soon come to learn that actions have consequences, and that greediness can sometimes lead to an early grave.

While the entire cast had their hand in making this play spectacular, one particular person stood out to me: Cédrick Mulcair, who stole the show with his charismatic energy and over-the-top expression. I loved every moment he was on stage, and his showmanship set precedence for the other actors on stage.

From the get-go, I thought the show was going to unfold as a melodramatic soap opera. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised to be met with a story that toes the line between mythology and reality, not taking itself too seriously, and leaving room for interpretation. 

As the show went on, I was impressed by the dedication everyone put into their roles. After the show wrapped up, director Kevin John Saylor came out to personally acknowledge how proud he was of the cast, highlighting how long he has known each and every one of them.

The number of years spent in the spotlight was not taken for granted among this ensemble, as it was the moments between everyone that made this show one to write home about.

The adlib moments of Kyle Zachary whispering, “I’m a scary ghost.” The simple veil that was used to signify that the character is now in their ghost form. The use of space and how everyone strutted like they owned it. The only issue I had with the show was that there weren’t enough people in the audience. If you are unsure how to spend this Friday or Saturday night, make your way out to Kateri Hall at 7:30 p.m. and catch a spectacle of a show.

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