Apologies for this review coming out a little late . . . 20 years late
Perfect Crime opened off-Broadway in 1987 and is now as a New York theatrical institution.
What 'Perfect Crime' is About
If Agatha Christie and Philip Roth collaborated on a murder mystery, the result might be Perfect Crime. The play takes place present day in the sitting room of the Brent home in an upper-crust Connecticut neighborhood. Over several nights of one eventful week, a decades-old mystery unfolds. Psychiatrist Margaret Thorne Brent (Catherine Russell) is on the verge of best-selling, Oprah Winfrey-appearance success. But there’s a nettlesome secret from her past that threatens to intrude on her present.
Enter James Ascher (Richard Shoberg), a local police inspector who’s interested in the case and maybe more.
Throw in Margaret’s insufferable husband and an unstable patient and you have the ingredients of a murder mystery that will keep you guessing.
What You’ll Like About 'Perfect Crime'
There’s something fun about attending a show that’s been running continually for 20 years. With more than 8,700 shows under her belt, Catherine Russell brings comfort and confidence to her role as Margaret Thorne Brent. You sense that the cast enjoys knowing each show is a part of New York theater history.
Many will recognize Richard Shoberg from a long-running part on TV’s All My Children. And he gives a winning performance as the inspector.
Perfect Crime will keep you guessing. It’s not only a “whodunit,” but a “why did they do that?” as well.
And to add to your enjoyment of the evening, be sure to read Patrick Robustelli’s bio in the program.
Things To Consider
Without giving too much away, Perfect Crime starts with a bang . . . literally.
Pistols and rifles are bandied about throughout the show, so if the sight of guns or the sound of fake gunfire bothers you, be warned.
Who Put This Show on and Stars in It?
Perfect Crime stars, alphabetically, Michael Brian Dunn, Patrick Robustelli, Catherine Russell, Richard Shoberg, and Patrick Ryan Sullivan.
Warren Manzi wrote the show, which was produced by Armand Hyatt and directed by Jeffrey Hyatt.
Perfect Crime is at the Snapple Theater Center 1620 Broadway (at 50th Street), (212) 921-7862.
Run Time: 2 hours (including intermission)