Dan's Papers - June 15, 2007 - A Murder At Cooperage Inn

On Sunday, June 10, there was a murder at the Cooperage Inn and the dinner guests were all witnesses. But there's no need to worry because it was all staged. A couple of times a year, the Cooperage Inn invites The Other Vic Theater Company to hold an audience participation murder mystery dinner and on Sunday they did just that. The company performed "Mismatched," which was written by one of their very own performers, Steve P. Kalomeris, who also directed the show with the help of the co-owner of the theatre, Jeanette Balzas. The performance was based on that of internet dating and what can happen when things go terribly wrong. The cast performed this play as though it was a "taping of an infomercial, for the latest online dating site where the couples get together live on the air." The dinner guests that night were the live audience and boy did they participate.

The cast was amazing. They were both hysterical on and off the "air." It was truly an all-star line-up. In this performance, Greg Turner, played by Marty Edelstein, is a man all about the get-rich-quick schemes. While many of his former ideas have failed horribly, he believes that his internet dating service will be a hit. Rosy Turner, played by Suzanne Bannon, is his wife and the one he blames for every failing scheme. With what little patience she has and her very bad temper, she helps run the infomercial. Eve Buscemi, played by Dian Mills, is an auditor for the IRS, who loves her job so much, that she has a difficult time not talking about it. Parker Posey, played by Steve Kalomeris, is an accountant who's anything but fun. He is extremely boring, but very nice. Steve Cowell, played by Josh Deely, is a total geek who's into all kinds of geeky things, but he's very funny and even confident. Jessica Rowling, played by Ali Colluccio, is a beautiful, intelligent, sweet English lass, but she is a bit clumsy and finds it hard to date due to the fact that she works a lot with Greenpeace and is new to this country. Taylor Tazinsky, played by Jesse Perez, who's also known as Taz, is a total party animal. He loves to party and drink, and while he has more muscles than brains, he is somehow an internet entrepreneur. Jennie Marriott, played by Carol Lee, is another party animal who absolutely loves Paris Hilton. In fact, she wants to be just like her. She's very cute with a very dramatic personality. Joan Genericson, played by Joan Genericson, is a cowgirl, a southern belle born and raised. She's got a strong accent and a very unique outfit. But let's not forget the audience who plays an important role as well.

While the dinner revolves around the actors and their performance, they also call out to people in the audience and interact with them. The dinner guests even get to guess whom they think killed the person and prizes are given out afterwards. The dinner is timed very nicely with the performance and comes to an end around eight. The food is delicious with nicely sized portions and the drinks are very good thanks to their bartender, Darlene. The owners Jonathan and Rene Perkins are wonderful as well and you should definitely come check it out! Everyone who came to the show loved it, and that's why after the first one was so successful Jon and Rene decided to do it again. Martha Zukosky said, "It's the best. Everything here is amazing, the wait staff, the bar, the food, it's wonderful. We've eaten all over and they really do have good food." Steve agreed stating that, "from what I've had of the food, it is really good." He also said, "I like it here. They have a great audience, one of the best." Marty also enjoyed performing stating that, "they are really nice here and pleasant to us." Many of the performers, such as Suzanne, said, "We don't do it for the money, but for the love of the theater." This comment definitely applies to who they are and to their performance. It is amazing. They are terrific people with astonishing talent.

The Other Vic Theater Company has been around for over fifteen years. They have been performing dinner theater murder mysteries to entertain audiences all over Long Island, New Jersey, and even in New York City. If you want to "die laughing," they would love for you to call them at 1-516-783-7469 or email them at www.theothervic2.com. They will also be performing again at the Cooperage Inn on October 28th. For only $49.95, you can experience "A Murder on Mystery Lane," which is bound to be another amazing show, and have dinner. Included in this price, you get an appetizer, salad, choice of entree, dessert, soda, coffee, and/or tea. They tend to book very quickly and are usually sold out so you better reserve your seats while you can. Don't miss out; it's certain to be great!