Review: 'Alibi"

To stage the perfect murder, you have to come up with an airtight alibi. That's the premise behind the new play Alibi by Derek Dorey and Gerald Hess that Amicus Productions is premiering at Fairview Library Theatre.

Alibi is not so much a "who did it" mystery, as it is a "how will they get caught" thriller. Along the way there are moments of genuine tension balanced by some dark humour. Like the characters, it occasionally gets too clever for its own good but it does keep you guessing.

Credit Maureen Thornton who has worked with the performers to give the show a natural feel, even when the situation becomes quite melodramatic. Without giving away any of the play's secrets, a sequence involving the operation of a multi-disc CD player is loaded with suspense.

There is a lengthy scene near the end of the first act where the five characters sit and chat about the abstracts of getting away with murder. Although what is being discussed is the heart of what this play is all about, it does become a rather static stage picture for several moments. Perhaps this information might have been communicated differently, but the committed performances help counterbalance the moralizing.

Leading the talented team of performers, Len Silvini is a bundle of nervous energy as Paul, the law student who becomes the corroborating accomplice to his cousin's scheme. Silvini makes even the most mundane chores fascinating to watch, as you are constantly aware of the rumblings beneath the surface. His nervous energy lends a lot to an already tense situation.

Playing his controlling cousin, Thomas, Tully Irving creates a compelling portrait of a vile character. His performance needs a little more of a crisp authoritarian tone and precision to make his acerbic comments have the full effect. 

Paula Wilkie exhibits some of that command in her portrayal of the law professor Lilith. You are never quite sure just how much this character knows about what is going on, and that adds to the suspense. David Barber plays the stereotypical detective effectively, although his is the most underwritten part in the play.

As Camilla, the woman whose husband is murdered, Lesley Tumber avoids all the traps of overplaying the melodramatic scenes. Her seduction of the unwitting Silvini in the second half is masterful and sets us up for one of the evenings many surprises.

In fact, there are a good number of twists and turns packed into the relatively tight two-hour play. As with most suspense pieces, it is always much more fun for the viewers to get on the ride and enjoy the thrills and chills without knowing too much in advance, so all I can say is go and enjoy this original piece.

Amicus productions' world premiere engagement of Alibi continues Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 8 pm at Fairview Library Theatre, 35 Fairview Mall Drive. Tickets are just $18 and available by calling (416) 860-6176.

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