"Accomplice": Part murder-mystery, part sex farce

Quick wit is the key the next three weekends at the Donald W. Reynolds Theatre in the Brewery Arts Center.

Toss in a bit of murder mystery, and you have "Accomplice," a two-act comedy for adults performed by a professional cast of four.

The play is the Proscenium Players, Inc.'s third production of the season.

Alas, I can't tell much about the play itself as, after all, it is a mystery. But here's what critic Red Reed of the New York Observer had to say: "The best thriller since 'Sleuth' and twice as clever. 'Accomplice' has some of the freshest dialogue I've heard in any play (not to mention in a comedy thriller)."

David Patrick Stearns wrote in USA Today: "It's suspenseful, charming and funny, a clever melding of theatrical techniques from Agatha Christie to Bertold Brecht, from Ira Levin to Jean Paul Sartre. Part murder-mystery, part sex farce and completely entertaining."

Of course, neither critic had seen this cast at work. Or, perhaps better, at play because there is a delightful sense of playfulness in this production.

Most of the action takes place in the 1970s in a British moor land cottage cobbled together out of an old mill. The scenery is quite effective.

At the cottage, Derek and Janet Taylor (Jason Macy and Karen Chandler) engage in repartee while enjoying libations and a slight bit of licentiousness.

They are joined by Scott Van Tuyl and Susan Lingelbach -- and from then on the barbs fly like arrows in a "Robin Hood" film. It's this quick flow of dialogue that hurries this play along pleasantly. These are skilled actors.

Macy is practicing what he preaches as a drama and English teacher. He has appeared in many area productions, including "You Can't Take It With You" and "The Miracle Worker."

Opposite him, veteran performer Chandler has starred in "The Beauty Queen of Leenane" and as Sister Amnesia in "Nunsenses 1-4." She teaches theater craft and performance arts at Carson High School.

This is the second BAC appearance this season by Van Tuyl. He was Scoop in the Proscenium production of "The Heidi Chronicles." Last season, he appeared in "Emma's Child" and "Rumors."

This is Lingelbach's first appearance in Carson City. A Reno local, she'll graduate next year with a degree from University of Nevada, Reno. Her recent roles include "Merry Wives of Windsor," "The School for Scandal" and "Gypsy."

Understudies include Teri Levy, who won a best supporting actress award in a Southern California production of "Coming and Going. Male understudy is Paul de Gatto, who recently appeared as Osric in a modern-dress "Hamlet."

Director Rod Hearn recently directed "Emma's Child" for the Proscenium Players. He spends much of his time directing productions at Galena High School and appearing in roles such as Mr. Applegate in "Damn Yankees."

Finally, one more quote, since the play's outcome must remain a mystery: "The wittiest and most accomplished fooler since "Deathtrap" -- damnably clever."

IF YOU GO

What: Comedy thriller "Accomplice"

Where: Donald W. Reynolds Theatre, Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King St.

When: 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Feb. 28 and March 1, 7 and 8

Tickets: $12 general admission, $10 for students seniors and BAC/PPI members

Note: For mature audiences