FRINGE 2018: Slaying in Suburbia

Project AlienCat’s student-made Slaying in Suburbia: An Interactive Murder Mystery is an exciting, satirical drama you’ll never forget! Venture off into a sunny, early 2000’s family-friendly PTA barbeque to discover the darkest secrets of these suburban families. Slaying in Suburbia is unlike any Fringe show I’ve ever seen and it was so much fun to experience!

Written by Malika Pharand and directed by Alicia Magliocco, with music written and directed by Neusha Taherian and Jeff Tremblett, much of Slaying in Suburbia’s story takes place inside of your interactions with the cast members. During the show, there are several points where you can wander around the MainLine Theatre, interrogating the performers and possibly even interacting with the dead!

The actors are so talented at improvising and never break character in the face of adversity. Neusha Taherian remained in character perfectly while I nervously giggled in front of her because I was too anxious to speak! All of the performers are incredibly patient and thoughtful, and if you’re too shy to approach them they'll come say hello to you. I was initially nervous about the idea of participating in an interactive play, but Slaying of Suburbia is so much fun that you’ll find yourself bolting on stage to get to the bottom of the mystery! You can even collaborate with other audience members and make new friends.

Although all of the actors were outstanding, Anton Sebastian May stood out especially with his powerful, beautiful singing. Slaying in Suburbia isn’t entirely a musical, but there are excellent musical interludes you’ll thoroughly enjoy! Emery Rose Lee Orlando did an amazing job with the costume design and nailed early 2000’s fashion. One of my favorite things about the show was seeing the cast members sporting old, chunky cellphones that the hilarious Jonathan Klotz revealed were in actual working condition!

The entire team of Slaying in Suburbia did a marvelous job and they should be so proud of what they accomplished. They created such a fun theater piece and filled with sophisticated details and thrilling secrets for you to discover!

Slaying in Suburbia: An Interactive Murder Mystery is an innovative whodunnit you’ll absolutely adore! Catch it until June 16th at the MainLine Theatre located at 3997 boul. Saint-Laurent, Montreal!

Patricia Petit Liang is part of CJLO’s Official Fringe Team covering the sights and sounds from the 2018 St-Ambroise Montreal Fringe Festival. She also hosts Fatal Attraction every Wednesday day from 12 PM – 1 PM, only on 1690AM in Montreal and online at CJLO.com.