DEAD TO THE LAST DROP at Hanover Little Theater

The hilarious interactive crime thriller Dead to the last drop by Ken Jones premiered in Ohio in 1995. Set in the Caffeine cafe, the play introduces audiences to the cafe's owner, Ariel, her former stepdaughter Miranda, her employees Tully and Clarice, and two of their customers, Dr. Bill Killdare and Robert Ludzeski. Each of these characters has secrets that come to light after Miranda's murder, and the audience has the opportunity to interrogate the suspects, and at the end, the audience can make an accusation. Their choices lead to one of four different possible endings. If interactive theater scares you, don't worry – no one is called on stage, no one has to speak – participation is voluntary. Join the Hanover Little Theatre team, led by Shane Miller, for Dead to the last drop on stage until September 22nd.

The set, lighting, sound and costume design create just the right atmosphere. The set (designed by Shane Miller and built/painted by Mathew Barninger, Jonathan Carbaugh, Carmela Champ, Billy Ferrell, Wendee Lewis, Shane Miller, Greg Trax and Chad Zepp) transports the audience to a cozy cafe filled with warm colors and books. The lighting (designed by Bob McCleary) enhances the mood of each scene. The coffee machine sound effects are brilliant and the music was carefully chosen to fit the scene (sound design by Jonathan Carbaugh). The theater is showing off their new microphones with this first production of the season and although the volume was too high at first (and during some of the chaotic scenes in the show), they are sure to fix the problems and find the best volume for the room with each performance. The costumes are one of the most popular design elements of this production as they fit the personalities of their characters beautifully.

The cast includes Faith Brown as Miranda De Vere, Wendee Lewis as Ariel Ford, Christina Munn as Clarice, Billy Ferrell as Dr. Bill Killdare, Mat Barninger as Tully, and Mario Casciotta as Robert Ludzeski. Brown delivers a very believable portrayal of the temperamental, self-centered, spoiled Miranda. She has a great stage presence that fits the role well. Audiences can easily see why any of the characters would be inclined to murder her. Lewis' portrayal of Ariel Ford highlights her business-oriented, practical side that hides her true feelings toward her ex-husband, ex-stepdaughter, and Dr. Bill Killdare. Munn's sarcastic Clarice is brilliantly played with dry wit and wry facial expressions. Her interactions with the other characters are where she really shines, using subtle changes in her voice tone and facial expressions to show how her character relates to the other people in the cafe.

Ferrell plays Physician Killdare with the perfect amount of self-righteous pomposity and academic bluster. His expressions, movements and voice are perfectly calibrated to bring this character to life, and as the story progresses, he uses these skills to accentuate Killdare's nervousness as his true motives become clear. Barninger is the master of sass as the waiter Tully. From his line delivery to his physical comedy (including a hilarious hula and spectacular work with a decorative fan), Barninger creates a character that is popular with audiences. Casciotta, as Robert Ludzeski, holds the whole piece together. This reviewer can't say too much about his character without giving away important parts of the piece, but Casciotta's performance is wonderfully fluid and subtle, and he skillfully directs the improvised scenes to keep the action moving.

Dead to the last drop is a unique and entertaining play, and the team at Hanover Little Theatre pulls it off beautifully, giving audiences something to talk about long after the play has ended. With four different endings, audiences are encouraged to watch the show more than once! Put on your detective hat and join the cast and crew at Café Caffeine to find out who the murderer is.

For more information and tickets, visit hanoverlittletheatre.com.

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