Thus begins Corvallis Community Theatre's presentation of "Knock 'Em Dead" at the Majestic Theatre. If you like "Clue," the game or, especially, the movie, this is the perfect play for you.

This is not a show to see if you are looking for high drama. No, this is pure fun, so come ready to laugh. It centers on a group of performers who come together for a talent competition with deadly results as one of them turns out to be a murderer. Don't worry, I won't give the ending away. In fact, I can't, because there are six different endings. This is where "Knock 'Em Dead" really gets interesting.

Beginning with the end of the first act and going into intermission, this play becomes interactive with the audience. That's right, the audience gets involved and helps determine the end of the play. During intermission, audience members are encouraged to talk to the performers, who remain in character, and ask them questions about the murder. Then, throughout most of the second act, the audience gets to really drill the characters on stage in search of the murderer, like a combination of "Clue" and "Whose Line is it, Anyway." According to director Rebecca Douglas, about 50 percent of the second act is improvised, and the actors carry it off beautifully, never missing a beat.

All the actors are obviously having a good time with this show, playing an interesting mix of over-the-top characters, including a smarmy MC, a baton-twirling cheerleader, an overbearing comedienne, a German jazz singer, a not-so-good ventriloquist, an egotistical hypnotist, and a drag queen with a lip-synching Chihuahua. And then there's Vinnie, the club's owner, who is played by a different actor each night of the performance.

This is Douglas's first time directing adult theatre; she directed children's theatre for the last four years.  In many ways this is the perfect show to make that transition, particularly with the humor and the amount of improvisation involved. Her first foray into directing adult theatre is a success, and I look forward to her next project.

It should be noted that this show does include some adult themes and may not be suitable for all ages.  No nudity or real violence is shown on stage, but there is some language and sexual content, so parents may want to use discretion.  

If you are looking for a good bit of fun to escape the everyday tension and negativity in the world, this is the show for you. Come prepared to laugh and be sure to keep your eyes and ears open throughout the evening, because clues to the murder are everywhere. Here is one hint I will give you: the butler did not do it.  

Visit majestic.org for show times and ticket info.