The audience is part of the show and that makes for an entertaining evening at "Lucky Malones Not So Lucky Night" at Pines Dinner Theatre in Allentown.
From the moment you walk in the interactivity begins, since you must knock on the door and give a secret password to be admitted into Moxies - Luck Malones illegal "speakeasy."
Everyone is in on the act, from the house manager to the wait staff.
As patrons order dinner, the story begins with the blustery and hapless Brian Vigorito as Lucky who comes out and welcomes the audience to his "establishment."
He proceeds to complain about the challenges of running a speakeasy. But the story of Lucky and his travails is basically a vehicle for the cast to make corny jokes, do silly skits and get the audience involved in the shenanigans on stage.
Karisa Fulmer is Luckys wannabe fiance Zelda Ziegler. Fulmer makes Zelda the personification of dumb blonde complete with the classic "say goodbye Zelda" bit. Of course, Zelda also dreams of starring in Luckys floor show and humorously demonstrates her lack of singing skills in a boisterous sing-along with the audience.
Syd Stauffer is all rolled eyes and snarky asides as Mabel, Luckys right hand person, who really runs the show. Clad in overalls and with tools swinging from her belt, she very begrudgingly joins the chorus line when a singer bolts for a rival speakeasy.
Cheryl Moritz is Moxie Hart, Luckys star singer and the inspiration for the name of his club. Moritz gives Moxie an over-the-top accent and an impossibly cocky attitude. However, she does demonstrate she can sing as she performs her big solo in an eye-catching dress. Kudos to costume designer Stacey B. Yoder.
Mike Daniels is gruff and smug as Luckys rival Benny Bigside, who sneaks into his club trying to sabotage it.
All these wacky characters seem to be having a blast being goofy on stage and shine when they pull the audience in.
During a "police raid," audience members are given sheet music to the hymn "Marching For Jesus" and asked to sing to convince the police its a revival rather than a speakeasy.
Patrons get to be different families (complete with responsive dialogue) and one lucky (or unlucky) audience member even gets "murdered."
After that, it is up to the audience to figure out "who done it."
Audience members fill out slips of paper with who they think is guilty and a name is drawn on stage. So, depending on whose name is drawn as the guilty one that night, the ending will change from night to night. The night we went it was the conniving Benny who was revealed as the murderer.
Director Oliver Blatt keeps the whole experience funny and playful, and the show makes for a not-too-serious evening of laughs.
This show is rated PG-13 for some innuendo.
"Lucky Malones Not So Lucky Night" is playing through April 30.
The schedule is 7 p.m. Fridays; 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 12:30 p.m. Sundays.
Ticket prices are $32 which includes a seat for the show. All appetizers, entrees, desserts and beverages are available for purchase ala carte.
Entree options include honey Dijon pork loin, Parmesan crusted chicken breast, pot roast, striped Pangasius, grilled shrimp skewers, filet mignon, fettuccine Alfredo with broccoli and butternut squash ravioli.
Dinner and the show happen concurrently. Audiences are welcome to BYOB.
The theater is following social distancing guidelines, and certain tables are unavailable and others are being seated at a reduced capacity.
The Pines Dinner Theatre is located at 448 N. 17th St., Allentown. For tickets, call 610-433-2333 or go to Pinesdinnertheatre.com.