Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

New Town Square theater almost ready for opening night

"Shear Madness," the scissor-stabbing murder mystery and improvised comedy, is set to open in early February at Town Square's first live theatrical venue.

It's been a hair-wrenching experience for executive producer Terrence Williams, who has pushed back the show's opening date several times over six months because of permitting delays. He's also opening the new production during an economically dismal time for the entertainment industry.

"It's a tough time right now," Williams said. "But for all those looking to have a great time and relax, it's going to be a great experience."

Great American Theatricals started renovating the space at 6587 Las Vegas Blvd. South, beneath Rave Motion Pictures Theater, last fall. The 6,712-square-foot cabaret-style theater cost $1.2 million to prepare for the show.

The show's original co-creator, Bruce Jordan, is directing the Las Vegas production. Jordan still oversees "Shear Madness" productions in Boston and Washington, D.C., and is an international adviser for the murder-mystery theater.

"He came in to cast and he will be with it until it's on its feet," Williams said Tuesday.

He said the theater is still waiting on its Clark County fire inspection and health inspection to receive its certificate of occupancy. The alcohol permit is also pending. He hopes to open after Feb. 7, "pending permits," he said.

The theater seats about 300 at tables. Light concessions and cocktails will be served.

"The staging for the show is very traditional," he said. "It's set in a fictional Vegas hair salon in the shadow of the Stratosphere."

"Shear Madness" invites the audience to participate in solving the murder, which involves a famed concert pianist who lives above the Shear Madness salon.

The show was cast here, with a few members of the six-member cast coming from other Shear Madness productions.

Actors Tracey Adams, Joseph Ditmyer, Robin Long and Christopher Tarjan are "Shear Madness" veterans. New to the production are Nick Caruso, Christie Maturo, an understudy, and Enoch Augustus Scott.

The theater will host other shows in the afternoon and late night. Williams said he is not yet ready to announce those shows.

Williams most recently worked with Farrington Productions, which conceived and produced the award-winning "Masquerade Show in the Sky" at the Rio.

Tickets for the two-hour show range from $20 to $80. To purchase tickets, visit www.shearmadnesslv.com; Vegas.com or call 949-6123.

Becky Bosshart can be reached at 990-7748 or [email protected].

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