Find the game first, then solve: Melodrama at Vertigo poses challenge for seasoned audiences

Calgary’s Vertigo Mystery Theatre is again putting the challenge to the audience with it’s latest opening ‘Deadly Murder.’

The melodrama tells the story of a wealthy jewelry designer who has seduced a young man. After their tryst she tries to pay him for his time, he is insulted by the offer, and then refuses to leave.

That is but the first twist in a play that is as twisted as a mountain road.

But while Vertigo audiences are seasoned investigators, amped to find the culprit of a crime, in this show, they also must solve what crime is really taking place.

Director Valerie Planche said the title is a bit of a tell as to what ticket buyers are in for.

“The redundancy is kind of indicative of the humour of the show too, of course murder is deadly, it’s kind of an eye roll,” she explained.

Much of what the characters say may also make audiences roll their eyes, as the melodrama of the scenes serve to raise the stakes at every turn.

‘Deadly Murder’ runs at Vertigo through to March 2.

Tickets can be found at vertigotheatre.com