The creepy, crawly feelings usually relegated to the end of October are returning a little early this year with 2Co’s Cabaret’s presentation of “2Co’s Twisted Tales,” which kicks off its run at 7 p.m. today.
While the “Twisted Tales” are a combination of different art elements, the main focus of the show is two one-act plays: Don Nigro’s “Fair Rosamund and Her Murderer” and Gene Ruffini’s “A Grave Encounter.”
Tom Cardinal, star of “A Grave Encounter,” said “Twisted Tales” is a popular show because it is unlike anything else around.
“We will have people come from out of town just to see 2Co’s and-or Shadowbox (2Co’s sister theater),” he said. “It’s definitely an alternative. It’s like your one stop for a night out of entertainment.”
In Ruffini’s “A Grave Encounter,” Cardinal plays Pasquale, a man visiting his father’s burial site, only to meet another mourner Marianna, played by Eileen Trilli.
“Fair Rosamund and Her Murderer” stars Pam Callahan as Rosamund, the king’s mistress. Unhappy with her husband’s unfaithfulness, the queen hires a murderer, played by Joseph J. Lorenzo, to kill Rosamund, but he has one problem – he falls in love with her.
Callahan said the show is varied enough to have a little something for everyone.
“We’ve got an overall entertainment evening,” she said. “Besides the plays, there will be acoustic music and poetry for the Halloween season.”
The music, played by house band Downtown DFN, keeps up the spooky theme, giving the audience a break during the show.
“Overall, I would say the flavor of the music varies,” Callahan said. “It’s all acoustic, so nothing’s really blaringly loud rock ‘n’ roll stuff, but it’s still a variety.”
Among the diverse selections Downtown DFN will play are “Murder” by David Gilmour (best known as a guitarist for Pink Floyd), “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac and “Burned as a Witch” by Eartha Kitt.
Rounding out the show are a collection of spooky poems and monologues, read by several members of the cast.
Cardinal, who will read “End of the World” by Arthur Kopic, said these extra elements add depth and complete the show.
“The shows are thematic, so we find things that round out the theme,” he said.
Because this is the second “Twisted Tales” 2Co’s has performed, Callahan hopes this year’s show will bring back much of the same crowd.
“Since 2Co’s opening in February 2001, it has really developed its own niche in the Short North and developed its own patron base, where people actually have started calling it their favorite theater,” she said.
Cardinal said part of the show’s appeal is the fact that “Twisted Tales” is more diverse than other shows.
“I would never say everybody loves everything about every show – that’s just not true,” he said. “However, everyone always enjoys the experience, so its definitely something different.”
“2Co’s Twisted Tales” runs Thursdays through Saturdays until Nov. 16, beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursdays and 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are $15. Half-price student tickets are available.
