KILL A BETTER MOUSETRAP

I was hoping this show would be fun and clever, and it delivered beyond my expectations. What a treat to find this jewel tucked away at the Complex' tiny East Stage on Santa Monica Blvd! Scott K. Ratner, author and star, hits the bullseye with his script and his performance. His natural delivery belies the risks he's taking as an actor, and he nails every laugh line he's written for himself. He's woven his own Christie-esque tale around Christie and one of her lesser works, "The Mousetrap," and the grand Dame herself couldn't help but admire the craft involved. Perfectly cast opposite Ratner is Laura M. Hathaway, providing a resonant yin to his yang. The two work beautifully together, finding a comic rhythm that makes this one-act fly ... full review

Scott Ratner's one act play, KILL A BETTER MOUSETRAP is not only one of the most clever pieces of theater I've seen in a long while, it's very funny, well acted, and sophisticated in its research and facts. All in all it's a delightfully spent 45 minutes of no rock and roll songs, no kids jumping on tables and desks, and no helicopters falling onto the stage. It's old fashioned quality writing, with a performance by Ratner which left me wondering why I don't see more of him on the stage. (And when I say, "more of him" I don't mean nudity...that is not a healthy option.) The writing is not derivative of anyone, but has the class and humor of a classic comedy of yore. A fine cast, a terrific show...go before it does.... full review

Scott Ratner (no relation) is a double threat. As the slovenly inheritor of the curse of Agatha Christie he acts well, is funny and thoroughly appropriate for the role which he slyly and excellently crafted for himself. A genuine stage mystery geek, Ratner shovels a delicious platter of Agatha Christie trivia at us, and it is truly fun to behold. The full house on a Saturday afternoon enjoyed itself completely. Makes me want to dust off my meager Agatha Christie collection and dive in, and then await Ratner's next stage mystery meisterwerk. If you love mystery, whether you know Christie well or not, this one's for you.... full review

Would have loved it if the actress playing the analyst had been able to remember her lines. The script was brilliant and the 2 other actors were also. But every time she fumbled a line and that was often I was taken out of the story. Too bad. ... full review

What a funny, clever script from Scott Ratner. Wonderfully executed by the cast. Scott Ratner himself was a gem as the leading role. This show makes you laugh and think. Definitely one not to miss!... full review

This play is simply cleaver and entertaining. I didn't want it to end. You got to love when you see or read something so original. Bravo!!!... full review

I loved Kill a Better Mousetrap. It was clever, witty, hillarious, and kept me at the edge of my seat. Beacaue it was only 45 minutes long it was a perfect little treat in our evening out. I wish it were playing longer as I'd love to come back and bring some other friends. ... full review

Mr. Ratner's zany and dark comedy is packed with some brilliant wit as well as thorough knowledge on the subject matter. The pacing and consistent laughs makes it worth seeing at least twice!... full review

Very witty. Easy to follow, yet kept my attention and interest. Moves at a good pace. Clever script. Laughed at the right moments. The acting was phenomenal. I will definitely see it again to catch anything that I may have missed the first time around.... full review