‘Let’s Murder Marsha’ @ Richardson Theatre Centre
Graphic courtesy of RTC
—Carol M. Rice
Upon entering the house at Richardson Theatre Centre to see Monk Ferris’s comedy Let’s Murder Marsha, patrons are treated to an absolutely stunning set designed by Kyle Chinn. This is a beautiful Manhattan apartment, complete with a well-stocked and lighted wet bar, an inset fireplace, and gold filigree enhanced double doors that lead to a large closet. In RTC’s intimate space, such attention to detail (aided greatly by scenic artist Candie Blunt, set dresser Robert San Juan, and lighting designer Kenneth Hall) makes for some high anticipation for the rest of the show.
It doesn’t disappoint.
We are first introduced to Laura Jennings as the ditzy Marsha Gilmore, a well-kept housewife addicted to mystery novels, much to her husband’s chagrin. He thinks they will “rot her brain,” and in fact, they do cause her to take things wrong if they sound remotely suspicious. This is how she gets the idea he is planning to murder her when she overhears something she shouldn’t. Jennings is airheaded and goofy as Marsha, and a repertoire of fabulous facial expressions as she rushes frantically around the apartment, trying to figure out how to keep from getting bumped off.
As Marsha’s somewhat stuffy husband Tobias, Jeff York is the complete opposite of his stage wife. His character comes across as a bit controlling, even though he obviously loves Marsha and is just trying to give her surprise birthday present she’ll never forget.
As Persis Devore, Tobias’s co-conspirator for Marsha’s big surprise, Kate Crawford is glamorous and sexy—the exact sort of woman someone like Marsha would have doubts about. Crawford does a wonderful job with her French accent and obviously has fun as the would-be femme fatale.
Brian Hoffman provides additional comedy as the Gilmore’s neighbor Virgil Baxter. His wig (and everyone’s interactions with it) deserves its own byline in the program. He has wonderful chemistry with Jennings as her “lover”—who’s willing to do anything to help her out of her predicament.
Makenna Baker is hilarious as the maid Bianca, who is fond of “sampling” the various cocktails she makes for Tobias and Marsha. She is completely devoted to Marsha, even while trying to get her to calm down. Sweet yet snarky (depending on the situation), Bianca comes across as the exact person you’d want on your side in just about any situation. I loved her character!
As Bianca’s boyfriend Ben Quade, Julian Harris is the perfect over-hyped policeman. Tall and lanky, his physical comedy is best described as Gumby on uppers as he tries to make heads or tails of the situation at hand. Ben could be a throwaway part, but not as Harris plays him. I honestly wish we saw more of him in the show.
Sue Goodner rounds out the cast as Lynette Thoren, Marsha’s mother, throwing things into even more confusion with her birthday bottle of booze. Goodner is sophisticated and charming and does a lovely job complicating matters.
While the program states that Let’s Murder Marsha takes place in the present day, Kristin Moore’s costume designs tell us something differentt. Jennings’ big hair and sparkly sequined “day dress,” Crawford’s long fur coat and Farrah Fawcett hairstyle, and York’s velvet smoking jacket/housecoat are much too Dynasty for 2025. Also, I’m fairly sure Jennings would get some weird looks on the bus in her first ensemble, no matter when the play takes place. That said, the costumes are gorgeous and look perfect on the classy set.
Director Rachael Lindley (assisted by Lorna Woodford and Leigh Wyatt Moore) brings out all the ridiculousness her cast members can muster for this fun comedy. It’s a great October show for those who like their mysteries filled with much more comedy than murder.
WHEN: October 10-November 2, 2025
WHERE: 518 W. Arapaho Road, Suite 113, Richardson TX
WEB: richardsontheatrecentre.net
