Death Express
Pegasus Theatre is renowned for its immersive black and white stage productions. Attracting audiences from all over, their patented makeup process sets them apart from other theatrical productions. They are unique, transforming the live stage into the world of pre-color television. Your eyes are tricked and you actually feel like you are watching an old black and white movie. But, at the end appears a lady in red, and the illusion is one that is hard to describe. Pegasus has mastered this art, and it is amazing to experience live. I am ashamed to admit that, being the huge theatre buff that I am and having lived in the area all my life, this was my very first Pegasus experience. And, let me just say, it was unlike anything I have ever seen.
Death Express is a show in a long line of stories written by Kurt Klinemann. These storylines focus around a central character, Harry Hunsacker, and are produced in the stylings of old Hollywood…costumes by Michael A. Robinson, hair/wigs by Roy Turpin, makeup by Leslie Kirkpatrick, transatlantic accents, and the set…all in brilliant black and white. Klinemann’s writing is clever, slightly cheeky, and delightfully funny. Director Michael Serrecchia has assembled a remarkable cast who bring these zany characters to life on an extraordinary set designed by Robert H. Winn. The 2-level set, featuring the box cars of a train, is perfectly accompanied with sound by Kurt Klinemann and lighting by Elijah Reed. All these elements together create a masterful theatre experience.
In this episode, Harry Hunsaker (Scott Nixon), accompanied by sidekicks Nigel Grouse (Ben Bryant) and Detective Lt. Foster (Chad Cline) have boarded a train for New York that turns into a series of murderous accusations as passengers disappear and fingers point. The Conductor (Mario Aguirre IV) introduces a succession of intriguing characters that all raise suspicions. Could it be the austere Philomena Wainwright (Sheila D. Rose), or the seemingly innocent and wholesome author Iris Henderson (Madison Murrah). Maybe it is the French movie star Valentina Benet (Alex Moore) whose name no one can pronounce properly. What about the southern bumpkin duo of Myrtle Ann and Josephus Smith (Liv Murphy and Michael Speck), or the educated and savvy couple B.G. Charters (Leslie Patrick) and P.B. Caldicott (Jake Shanahan). No one is above suspicion and the killer must be stopped. As one would expect, mishaps and mayhem ensue ending in an ending you might not quite expect.
If you have not seen a Pegasus black and white, you must add this to your MUST DO list. Death Express is funny and does not take itself too seriously. The show is highly entertaining and the experience is like no other. Do yourself a favor and get tickets to see the show before it closes January 21. Showtimes are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 8pm, and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2pm. Performances are in the Bank of America Theatre at the beautiful Charles W. Eismann Center for Performing Arts in Richardson.
Tickets are available at https://www.eisemanncenter.com/event/i/9901/d/pegasus-death-express.
Audience Rating: PG
Running Time: Just over 2 hours plus a 20-minute intermission
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices Available: Not available
Sensory-friendly Showing: Not available
ASL Showing: Not available
Noises and Visuals to Prepare For: Screams, flashing lights, darkness
Production Sound/Lighting Level: Comfortable
Go See the Show!
Eddy Herring
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