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    Shear Madness - A Comedy Whodunit

    4.5 (167 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

    Shear Madness - A Comedy Whodunit Photos

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    David R.

    I was extra lucky to have been chosen to receive a free ticket to this show from Yelp. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU YELP!!! Believe it or not, I saw this show at the same venue about 30 years ago. At that time I went with my family after a birthday dinner and everyone had a great time. Forward 30 years to present, and I attended with a few other lucky Yelpers and a regular paying audience. The stage was the same, and of course the actors were different and the story line was a tad modernized, but basically it was the same funny life of a hair salon with a twist. i loved it! Freakin Hilarious!!!. The venue is small and they pack you in, but somehow you have a great view from all areas of the room. This is also a semi interacting performance so get ready to speak your opinion and have FUN!! The bar is small and always has a line. Make sure you get double or triple drinks if you want to drink through the show. I purchased one before the show and another during intermission which was sufficient for me. The only downside of the entire evening are the chairs, hard wooden ones, definitely the same chairs which were old 30 years ago...LOL... but I think that adds to the interaction of an old hair salon. I give this show and the very talented improve actors/actresses a Solid 4 Stars

    Mark T.

    Theater, like any other form of art is always a touchy subject, so, as a disclaimer: this is opinion only, I was a restaurant critic in another life, not a theater critic. Anyways, here I sit, teetering as if on a seesaw between a three and four star rating... What sealed the three star deal was two things... first, while the show wasn't bad at all, I don't know if I would say I'm a fan, A-OK seems a more accurate representation. Next, I have a friend who is a massive fan of all things performing arts... and I am not sure if I would recommend her to go see this... although if she asks me, I wouldn't tell her not to go. As another Yelper had mentioned, there is a sprinkle of improv, a large portion of the show is scripted. Audience participation doesn't play a nominal role, but it doesn't play a large role either... somewhere in between is all I can say without spoiling the story. Speaking of audience participation, I really liked that they give audience members the option to participate, rather than outright picking on people. Even though it could happen once or twice, it is very often low key... as in everyone won't be staring at you. Quite a nice blend of humor too, with some of it being classic slapstick, some malapropisms, jokes, locally-themed references, and loads of references to current happenings (those most would have heard of, but not antiquated ones either). I like that there's something for everyone humor-wise... only I have to admit I did not have the uproarious reactions my fellow audience members had. Actors definitely had a great energy level, and loved what they do. This made the show itself lovely and high energy. While it doesn't happen often, when someone on stage just breaks out laughing it says about good things about the atmosphere. Seating wise, you are always close to the action. I do have to say that at some tables (as if in a restaurant) the seating was not particularly comfortable, and where I was sitting, my view was partially obstructed by a pipe. Alright, this all seems like good stuff... why only 3 stars again? Well, it really comes down to a question of value. Even though I went as part of a Yelp Elite event; I can't picture myself paying a little over $50 for a ticket. For $25 I'd probably go again, but $50 is a little excessive.

    Hanna G.

    Note to self: Don't ask questions if you don't want to accidentally volunteer yourself (especially if you're sitting in the front row). I watched the show on 3/9/17 with fellow Elites and some Northeastern students. I'm itching to go back with some family and friends just to see the rotation of other cast members! I wasn't sure what to expect when I arrived at 7:40PM, but we headed down the staircase to the actual quaint theater. (Check out my review for the Charles Playhouse venue itself.) I had a prime seat front and center right in front of their real salon sink. Surprisingly they actually started the pre-show antics at 7:50PM. Apparently Shear Madness is one of the longest running shows out there 37 years if I'm not mistaken! My SO's mother remembered seeing this several decades ago in Boston. I laughed so much during the show and it was a much needed break from work. I loved how they incorporated recent news and contemporary issues into the skits. So many Baaahhhston jokes and I loved Baahhhbara's over the top accent. All of the actors really had fun with their roles and made us roar with laughter. I agree with Manfred on his observation that perhaps people who aren't familiar with the Boston area and recent news may struggle with some of the jokes. After the show we were lucky enough to have a Q&A session with the actors and take photos with the amazing set/props! Highly recommend the show! We could all use more laughing!

    Yelp Elite did it.
    Manfred S.

    A phenomenal fun show with a lot of Yelp Elite. Although the show starts out corny it really develops. Forget about Broadway. The local flawah makes it entertaining. The actors were phenomenal. TB12 from Mehfahd must have been an original rather then an act. My office is next to the Medford police station. I see those guys every day. However, recent immigrants, especially from no humor countries may struggle. The presumably Chinese college kids in the audience only managed strained laughs. Nevah mind. It's fun. The theater has a Bah. Makes for a great night.

    Taking the stage at #ShearMadness, where you decide who-done-it...Maybe it was me!  #lynnjulian #bostonactress #yelpboston
    Lynn J.

    Shear Madness is the everchanging (and I mean nightly) comedy show where you decide whodunnit. This is Boston's longest running show, and there are so many reasons why: The actors, the improv, the new show every night! THE DEAL: Even if you've already seen it, These improv comedians create a bit of a new show every night. See it again... It feels SO good to laugh...Just do it! Check Bos tix and online sites for super sales on tickets too.

    Cast for the 11/12/15 show
    Danielle K.

    Shear Madness is a wickedly funny murder mystery play that is part script, part improv, and all hilarious! The audience vote picks the outcome if who the murderer is at each viewing, but there are endings written where each character could be the killer. Last night was my 3rd time seeing the play. I highly recommend Shear Madness. I promise you'll have a great time, and you'll hear & see things in a 2nd viewing that weren't in the 1st. For example, new topical to local & world news jokes are written in every week. And if you're with a group, don't be surprised if your group name appears in the show. Go to the show ready to have fun, and speak up during the audience participation portions! The show is PG with some racy jokes, but as long as you're high school aged or over, they'll appear pretty tame.

    Had so much fun getting to know the cast!
    Sarah C.

    Such an incredible show! So glad I had the opportunity to meet the cast & be part of an extremely hilarious & interactive show! Everything was very punny & there were so many clever lines! Definitely would go back again & experience it all over again. The set was also very well made & I loved the color scheme. Thank you everyone for an amazing performance!! You guys are awesome!

    Nefize T.

    I didn't really know what to expect as this was my first time seeing a theater show that was so interactive. Make sure you watch it carefully because you will get asked questions later. Lol. My only complaint is that as a non-english speaker, I didn't catch some of the jokes or references. Otherwise I had fun and I would definitely watch it again or bring friends in bc every time the story ends differently apparently so it is somewhat improvised.

    Diana N.

    I was able to go thanks for a free ticket (thank you, Yelp!) and I absolutely loved the show. It had relevant funny jokes, it was a little interactive with the cast, and had me laughing the whole time. The actors and actresses were highly energetic and could really work the crowd. I would love to go back again and bring other friends to experience it.

    Me on the set of Shear Madness!

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Shear Madness - A Comedy Whodunit

    Would this be fun for a 13th birthday celebration with 8 girls?

    Yes!! This would be a great party idea. My daughter loved it at that age.

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    Review Highlights - Shear Madness - A Comedy Whodunit

    The Charles Playhouse has an awesome history of being not only a theater, but also a Universalist Church and a Jewish Synagogue.

    Mentioned in 7 reviews

    Read more highlights

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