Terms like "madcap
comedy" can instantly set off warning alarms in the head of a theatre goer.
Often the farce-style comedy can be anything but. In the case of Shady
Business running until October 30th at Stage West, those
concerns are unmerited. The show is exceptionally funny.
As with many comedies, the success lies in the casting of the show. Former
Playgirl cover model, Family Ties star and all around nice guy Scott
Valentine headlines as mob boss Big Mac. His girlfriend, Mandy (Naomi Costain)
has met Larry (Eric Craig) and quickly developed an interest in him. Throw in
Mandy's best friend, the sassy Tania (Chantal Perron), goofball Terry (David
Leyshon), and Big Mac's "muscle" Dozer (Sheldon Bergstrom) and Harry "The
Hammer" (Grant Linneberg), some missing money, mistaken identity, and you have
utter chaos.
All of the performers nail their roles, hitting the comedic notes without being
over the top. It is a strong cast of veterans which is part of why the show is
so good. Shady Business avoids stereotypes and the comedy of errors
aspect works, it is one of the better non-musical productions Stage West has
had in recent memory.