"Shear Madness" current cast members include, left to right: Paul Dunn, Mark Cartier (seated), Nick Rossetti, Mary Klug, Patrick Shea and Caroline Lawton. Since it opened in Boston, more than 125 actors have performed in the show, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary in January 2010. (Photo by Richard Feldman)

It's been years and years since I've attended a performance of "Shear Madness." If I remember correctly, I went with my local woman's club, and we enjoyed it very much.

Recently, my son Michael got to see it for the first time and I thank him for the following report, which I share with our readers with his permission:

Nestled among the many theatres in Boston's theatre district is The Charles Playhouse, Stage II, the proud home of "Shear Madness," the longest running play in American theatre history. And it does not matter when you plan your visit to Boston because this show has been ongoing since 1980.

The seven-time recipient of "Best Comedy of The Year" by The Boston Globe, "Shear Madness" is set in a Boston hairstyling salon, where the landlady Isabel Czerny, who lives above the shop, is murdered. Every one of the characters has a reason to do her in.

A mixture of improvisation and up-to-the-minute spontaneous humor, "Shear Madness" lets the audience solve the crime. Successful sleuthing leads to a delightfully different show every time it's performed - as I discovered during a recent performance.

When asked by one of the cast members, "Don't you have cable?" I responded truthfully that I didn't. The player quickly turned to the audience exclaiming, "How freaky is that!" And a few minutes later, a different player interrupted the script expressing disbelief, "You don't have cable!"

What cable can't provide are skillful performances set in an intimate theatre where the audience sits right next to the action at small cocktail tables and director's chairs. Assorted beverages are available. Many restaurants, hotels and parking are close by including public transportation.

Rich with Boston flavor and topical humor, "Shear Madness" is a delight for the first-time visitor or the lifelong resident.

Performances are Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at The Charles Playhouse, 74 Warrenton Street. For tickets and information, call the "Shear Madness" box office at 617-426-5225. Group and AAA discounts available.

For more information, please visit www.shearmadness.com.

Cruise for a Cause is Scheduled at WaterWorks

On Thursday, August 27 from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. at WaterWorks at Marina Bay, the River Bay Club in Quincy will sponsor a "Cruise for a Cause."

Dry docked, with great food and entertainment "aboard," an evening of fun will be in store for the "cruisers on deck."

Proceeds will benefit the fight against Alzheimer's disease, with more than 5 million Americans stricken and 78 million baby boomers at risk.

For ticket information, reservations or more information, please call Executive Director Geri Dussault at River Bay Club, 617-472-4457.

Dinner Will Benefit CitySprouts Program

OM Restaurant & Lounge in Harvard Square will host a dinner on Monday, August 31 to benefit the CitySprouts school garden program in the Cambridge Public Schools.

Beginning with Fiore Di Nonno's fresh mozzarella and ending with torched peaches and Concord maple syrup (harvested at Gaining Ground Farm), Chef Michael Madden's end-of-summer meal will also feature tea smoked blue fish, Pat Woodberry littlenecks, and Wolfs Neck bavette steak.

Local farms are joining OM in raising funds for CitySprouts by donating ingredients-Allandale Farm, Appleton Farm CSA, and The Food Project gardens will all be represented at the table. The dinner includes wine paired with each course, and gratuity. A vegetarian option is available (call ahead to order). For more information, please call 508-254-9962.

"It's fitting that the late summer harvest is helping to support and grow the school programs where city children learn about healthy eating and growing food first-hand. Chef Michael Madden is not only creating a delicious dinner for guests, he is feeding the hearts and souls of our city kids," says CitySprouts Executive Director Jane Hirschi.

This fall, CitySprouts will operate its award-winning program in all twelve of the city's elementary and middle schools. CitySprouts school gardens are a hands-on resource for urban children to learn about food, the environment and to support their academic learning in public schools. CitySprouts' outdoor classroom gardens are used by 75% of the teachers in Cambridge Public Schools for science, math, social studies and art.

Enjoy!

In addition to events covered and reported by the columnist, "The Scene..." 
is compiled from various other sources such as news releases, PRNewswire services, etc.

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