Thumbs Could Have Left a Better Impression

Critics Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Actors’ Playhouse is currently presenting Thumbs, the new comedy/thriller by well-known playwright, Rupert Holmes. Known for is current Broadway show, Curtains, Holmes has been know for other award-winning shows.

Based in Vermont, Thumbs revolves around a serial killer, named “Tom Thumb”, who is on the loose. Known for his trademark, Tom Thumb removes his victims’ thumbs after he kills them. In this play, the audience is introduced to five main characters that become deeply involved in the murder case. Included in this list of characters are two women, one, whose ex-husband becomes the latest victim of Tom Thumb, and the other, the town Sheriff who wants to solve this case.

After going two for two with Holmes’ work, Actors’ Playhouse decided to take a chance with Thumbs. Although audiences seemed to enjoy the show, I found it extremely predictable. It wasn’t that I didn’t like the show, I just wish there was a little more suspense to the performance. Their past two Holmes’ shows, Accomplice and The Mystery of Edwin Drood did very well, including a Carbonell Award for Best Musical. Unfortunately, I am not expecting any Carbonell’s with this play.

Laughter did fill the theatre throughout this performance, even beginning at the PA welcome, which included a death threat to people with cell phones. Audiences were informed that there is an axe and gun on stage and they would be used if a phone went off.

Thumbs was performed by a total of seven actors/actresses, six of whom were part of the Actors Equity Association. This was apparent with the delivery of the characters. Barbara Sloan, who plays the role of Marta Dunhill, a celebrity on the rise, did a great job. She was able to display so many different emotions in a short play. She has amazing chemistry with Angie Radosh, who plays Sheriff Jane Morton. Jane is personally involved with this case. The most memorable actor in Thumbs wasn’t the two women, but Wayne Steadman, who played Wilton Dekes, the Sheriff’s assistant.

Even thought I am not expecting an award for this show, I still enjoyed the performance. If you want a nice night out, full of laughter, check out Thumbs. Even though it is billed as a thriller, don’t expect a Jessica Fletcher or Matlock mystery.

Thumbs will be at the Actors’ Playhouse until May 25^th. For their final show of the season, Mid Life! The Crisis Musical will be at the Miracle Mile from July 9^th to August 10^th, 2008. For more information on this show and their 2008-2009 season, visit www.actorsplayhouse.org. For more Broadway news and reviews, visit www.5minstocurtain.com.