KILL A BETTER MOUSETRAP

Well, you can't love everything, I guess. This was an entertaining piece, but given the extremely high caliber of all of the other productions we have seen at the Fringe this year, this show stood out as the only one that was really more like good community theater. Like I said, we did enjoy it and found some of the twist and info quite interesting. It just wasn't mind-blowingly good - and we've become jaded, I guess?... full review

This was a fun show. I'm glad I caught it. Scott K. Ratner is spot-on as the loveable loser holding the movie rights to the Agatha Christie classic. The script itself is clever and full of little homages to Dame Agatha and her work, and the layered story unfolds perfectly. My only gripe is the end note - I wish there was something more definitive there. But still, well done. ... full review

Scott Ratner's "Kill A Better Mousetrap" is a wonderfully crafted one act, which delivered more laughter than I had anticipated. Having never seen or read Agatha Christie's "Mousetrap", I thought that I would more than likely be lost on the concept of the show. Ratner's script not only discounted that, but it is witty, fast paced, and brought to life a trio of characters that were incredibly entertaining. Ratner not only wrote this "mouse"terpiece, but performs in it as well. Alongside Laura Hathaway and John Scoggins, the three bring to life the "what ifs" and "whys" of the mystery and intrigue behind the longest running play in history, that Christie herself would be proud of. Congratulations to Mr. Ratner, and all who helped to create thi... full review

Be forewarned that this is a review from someone who likes the theater, but rarely goes, and someone who has never read or seen anything by Christie. This play is great! It really tickled me. The writing is sharp, with no filler. I found a lot to laugh about, even with no Christie knowledge to base the jokes on. The character of Merbinau is a lovable hot mess, and the actor's rubber face and playing to the audience was the most enjoyable part of the show. John W. Scoggins' characters were fabulous; he's the guy you want to run into after the show and shake his hand. The last 10 minutes are where the show takes it to the next level and really SOARS. The two main actors get in sync in a way that finally makes you forget you a... full review

I have had the privilege of seeing one staged reading and two full productions of this show,and I must say the "fringe" production was the best. The show itself is brilliant, the writing is clever and very well paced, never a lull and full of great twists and surprises. Scott Ratner is perfect as the hapless "hero" of the story, he brings the character to life in such a way that you can't help to feel empathy for this tortured and clearly insane individual, all the while making you laugh til it hurts. I highly recommend you see this show.... full review