North Shore Players' "Drop Dead" Packs Murder, Mishaps, and Comical Madness

Is this supposed to happen or is this real?

North Shore Players (NSP) is bringing audiences a hilarious production of “Drop Dead.” The play centers around a group of has-been actors attempting to revive their careers in a new Broadway show. Several chaotic mishaps occur from technical difficulties, murder, to the horrible thought if the show can go on.

Unhinged, hysterical, and farcical. These are words the cast has used to describe the nature of North Shore Players’ upcoming show “Drop Dead.” The cast has been having an immensely fun time bringing this comical show to the stage and look forward to when audiences attend.

“Drop Dead” is directed by Tori Knight, whose passion for theater sparked at a young age through special outings with her musical-loving granny. Although she didn’t step on stage until she was 17, Knight said the experience changed her world, and now she teaches musical theater to youth performers.

Having recently moved from Seattle to Massachusetts, Knight quickly found a home with North Shore Players, where she was involved with “Sister Act” last fall. She enjoyed working with her new theater family so much that she decided to direct “Drop Dead.”

Auditions had an excellent attendance with 40 people signing up. Knight said this turnout was unexpected, but also a great thing, as audition numbers had increased since the pandemic. Ten actors were chosen for roles.

Each actor has studied their part closely, finding relatable moments. Richard White, who plays Chaz Looney has found relatable material to work with as he said both himself and his character are relatively new to theater.

“Although Chaz is just a character, I’m bringing a lot of my personality into him which makes him feel really charming and endearing,” White said.

Rehearsals have been busy with blocking, character work, and figuring out where to place all the ‘dead bodies’ onstage, according to Alison Newman, who plays Mona Monet.

The over-the-top humor is a central part of the production. Knight said they have focused on comedic timing the most. Timing has been tough to nail, but with the cast, Knight said their natural abilities have made the process easier. With much of the cast rarely leaving the stage, Knight said it has motivated the cast to make bigger challenges in acting choices.

“Because ‘Drop Dead’ moves so fast and goes so big, rehearsals have really been about finding the rhythm of the mayhem and trusting each other enough to fully commit,” said Christina Bontempa, who plays Candy Apples.

Cast members have detailed several scenes and quotes as laugh-out-loud moments.

“My favorite moments are the multiple deliveries of the word ‘Murder,’ which at times are a callback, a running gag, a declaration, or a curse,” said Michael Philbrick, who plays Philip, the stage manager within the show.

Knight said audiences should look forward to big technical elements that will enhance the show’s comical atmosphere. The props department and producers have been working hard to bring the show's many ‘deaths’ and physical gags to life.

As opening night approaches, the team hopes audiences will come ready to laugh, and maybe see a bit of themselves in the show’s exaggerated personalities.

“I hope folks will leave the show feeling rejuvenated by the magic of live performances,” said Travis Wallace, who plays Dick Scorsese. “The play is hysterical from beginning to end.”

North Shore Players “Drop Dead” is brewing up the chaotic laughter for audiences to enjoy at the Hogan Regional Center Auditorium in Danvers, Ma from May 1-3. Tickets are available online: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/drop-dead-tickets