Comedy by the Cut: ‘Shear Madness’ Delivers Laughs and Local Charm at Meadow Brook
Walking into Shear Madness at Meadow Brook Theatre in Rochester, MI, feels less like taking your seat for a conventional night of theatre and more like stepping into a live comedy playground. The setting—a cheerful, kitschy hair salon—is as much a character in the show as the actors themselves. Directed by Travis W. Walter, this production of Paul Pörtner’s long-running interactive comedy-whodunit succeeds in delivering an evening that is brisk, boisterous, and joyfully unpredictable.
[Warning: Spoilers from Meadow Brook Theatre’s Shear Madness are below!]
Cutting-edge humor makes Shear Madness a unique experience
Shear Madness’ blend of tightly scripted farce and open-ended improvisation makes it stand out from many straight theater shows out there. The plot, as thin as it needs to be, revolves around a murder in the apartment above the salon. But this is no straightforward mystery. Instead, the show morphs into an audience-led investigation, with viewers encouraged to pick apart inconsistencies, interrogate characters, and ultimately vote on who they believe the killer is. The result is a rare hybrid: a play that changes each night, depending on the energy of the audience and the whim of the crowd.
The cast at Meadow Brook handles this unpredictability with impressive ease. Leading the charge are Leslie Ann Handelman as the flamboyant Barbara and Stephen Blackwell (Strangers on a Train, A Christmas Carol) as the hot-headed Eddie, both of whom display the comic timing and improvisational agility this script demands. Their performances crackle with energy, drawing frequent laughs with off-the-cuff remarks and just-barely-contained reactions to the night’s spontaneous moments. The ensemble—rounded out by Joseph Delguste, Francis Kelly, Lynnae Lehfeldt, and Chris Stinson (The Angel Next Door)—shares strong chemistry, giving the production a grounded feel even as the humor soars into the absurd.
There is a particular joy in watching actors navigate this semi-controlled chaos. Jokes land with varying precision, some sharp and fresh, others groan-worthy and recycled—but that’s part of the show’s charm. A few punchlines felt a beat too familiar, but the frequent injection of local references—winks to Rochester, nods to Oakland University—keeps things rooted in the community and the audience squarely in on the joke. It’s no surprise the play has become a perennial favorite in cities like Boston and Chicago; its adaptability is its greatest asset.
Fun costumes and a detailed set enhance the story of this Meadow Brook production
If there’s a critique to be made, it’s that Shear Madness doesn’t aspire to anything particularly deep. It’s light, frothy theatre—closer in tone to a live game show than a traditional mystery. While the cast is clearly capable of navigating more nuanced material, the format here doesn’t ask for it. Some viewers may wish for a bit more narrative weight, or at least a few surprises that feel less like variations on a theme and more like genuine shifts in storytelling. Still, within its lane, the production is confidently executed.
Design elements are worth mentioning. Brian Kessler’s scenic design provides a convincingly cluttered salon full of visual gags and bright colors, while Corey Collins’s costumes accentuate each character’s quirks and comedic identity. Everything onstage supports the show’s commitment to immersive, immediate comedy.
Ultimately, Shear Madness is a crowd-pleaser in the truest sense. It invites the audience to laugh, shout, suspect, and vote—all while enjoying a classic slice of interactive theatre. It won’t challenge your worldview or leave you in existential reflection, but it will remind you how fun live performance can be when it leans into chaos and comedy with confidence. This Meadow Brook production captures the show’s essence: lighthearted, engaging, and utterly unpretentious.
Verdict: This is highly recommended for those seeking a fast-paced, participatory night out. Bring your sense of humor—and maybe your sleuthing instincts.
While Shear Madness might have ended its run at Meadow Brook Theatre, it’s an excellent reminder of the level of professional theater you can expect every time you visit one of their shows. With this season coming to a close, we’re only more excited for what’s coming next from this theater, so stay tuned to learn more about their 2025-2026 season as we continue our coverage of Meadow Brook Theatre!
Exclusive Interview: Joseph Delguste and Francis Kelly of Meadow Brook’s Shear Madness
