I must admit I am not a fan of immersive theatre. My level of confusion, self-consciousness, wondering what parts I’m missing, and where I should go next tend to make me feel less “immersed” than I feel when I am in my theatre seat and participating only by identifying with actors onstage. Still, this play is a fascinating and well engineered concoction by Rob Roznowski, evolved and co-directed by him with five assistant directors, and collaboration with the cast.
The Deputies do a good job of herding and directing the wandering audience so that we all converge to view several pivotal scenes: the posting of the cast list; the directing of the kiss scene, and the director’s speech to the cast.
Note that the whodunit is different with each performance. Many characters have a motive, and, we’re told, the sheriff reading the “confession” is not aware of the culprit’s identity until he opens the envelope.
I’d advise all adventurous theatre aficionados to leap into this experience with curiosity and a sense of exploration. Posters and props of the period add a Jim Crow flavor to the venue; projected news reports add historic perspective, leading up to today.
Thus With a Kiss I Die continues Tuesday through Sunday.
Note that there is an hour or so of standing and walking up and down stairs. Wear comfortable shoes.
http://www.theatre.msu.edu