'Marriage Can Be' an interactive experience at the Four Queens

The "Marriage Can Be Murder" cast brings its criminal shenanigans to the Four Queens for a hilarious dinner show, Monday through Saturday at 6 p.m. SPECIAL TO VIEW Don Rickles plays The Orleans, March 20-23. SPECIAL TO VIEW

Jayne and Eric Post are a personal and professional success story. Married for nearly two decades, they have staged murder mysteries in a southwest Vegas neighborhood for more than eight years. This month they will be branching out by bringing their popular "Marriage Can Be Murder" dinner theater to the downtown district.

"We try to touch everyone in the room," Jayne said. "Teaching our actors to be more interactive. It's more of a dance."

Eric writes the scripts and also serves as show director and actor. Jayne, an accomplished comedienne, punches up his dialogue with jokes and works the room as the show's host. During a three-course meal, the audience becomes increasingly involved with the murder mystery unfolding around them. sometimes at their very table.

Eric said, "We like downtown. More space and character. With our new lighting, the room still feels warm."

Jayne calls Eric "the best straight man," adding, "we've developed such great timing. There is a natural rhythm."

She attributes their success to giving people a good time. "We highlight the people," she said. "It is a shared experience."

"Marriage Can Be Murder" runs Monday through Saturday at 6 p.m. inside the Four Queens' Canyon Club Las Vegas. For Nevada residents, admission includes show, dinner, and one non-alcoholic drink for $44.95. Call 387-5175.

Headliners

Comic Don Rickles delivers one-liners for the first time at The Orleans Showroom, March 20-23 at 8 p.m. Beloved for his cantankerous on-stage personality, he is aptly nicknamed "Mr. Warmth." Seats are $55-$95. For information, call 365-7075.

Theater

The UNLV Opera Theatre closes its season with Mozart's masterwork "Così fan tutte" or "The School for Lovers" at UNLV's Judy Bayley Theatre. Show times are March 14-15 at 7:30 p.m. and March 16 at 2 p.m. The UNLV Symphony Orchestra also will be featured. The opera revolves around the games people play, especially in their love relationships. Tickets are $5-$25. Call 995-2787.

Music

The "4 Lads From Liverpool" give an energetic live performance that pays tribute to one of the world's greatest musical bands: The Beatles. This new production is ongoing at the Four Queens, Monday through Friday at 3; Sunday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $24.95-$39.95. Call 387-5175.

Join a trio of local jazz musicians under the baton of Richard McGee for a performance of "Jazz" at Summerlin's Starbright Theatre, 2215 Thomas Ryan Blvd. Classic American tunes from Gershwin to Cole Porter will be noted. Show times are March 29 at 7 p.m. and March 30 at 2 p.m. Cost is $25. Call 240-1301.

Comedy

The Usual Suspects is a popular local improv group that stars Finley Bolton, Rick Ginn and Jeff Granstrom. They will perform a special engagement at the Nicholas J. Horn Theatre at CSN on March 16 at 8 p.m. Seats are 8-$10. For information, call 651-5483.

Giving Back

A little advance notice for the Joe Williams Scholarship Concert, which sounds out at the South Point on April 6 at 2 p.m. The 19th annual fundraiser benefits music students at the College of Southern Nevada. The concert roster will feature singing impressionist Bob Anderson, blues singer Marlena Shaw, jazz singer Freddie Eckstine and jazz duo The Cunninghams. The 17-piece CSN All-Star Jazz band will accompany the performers. All seats are $39.95. Call 797-8055.

Barbara Scherzer is an entertainment writer who lives in Las Vegas. You may contact her at BeeBeeLee@cox.net.