by Kari Vest England, Front Row Reviewers
The intimate Pickleville Playhouse Theater was packed when I arrived. There was an energy of anticipation in this cozy space to see the newly written Thick as Thieves. Written and directed by Derek Davis (a Pickleville Playhouse veteran), this original musical “who-done-it” begins as two con artist brothers. Will Mosier/Nick Crapo (Roger) and Alec Foote/Nathan Kremin (Hamm), learn of their parent’s suspicious death. Returning home to claim their inheritance, they are informed they must first put on a show at the family theater. Loyal stage manager and wanna-be-starlet Rylee Carpenter/Annika Erikson (Becky) assists them in their attempt to gain their estate.
Twisty, turny, roller coaster fun ensues as expressive Jaycee Harris/Justine Grace (Detective Brisket ) arrives to enlist Roger and Hamm in their parent’s murder investigation. Roger and Hamm’s brother bond is tested when stunning showgirl, Katja Roberts/Hannah Bonnette (Alexa), bursts onto the scene. Meanwhile, eccentric neighbor, Griffin Welti/Taylor Hall (Jim), becomes a meddlesome roadblock to the brother’s goals. Brisket, Alexa, and Jim play a perfect foil to Roger’s and Hamm’s con artist ways, bringing the audience along for the ride until the very end.
Roger and Hamm (with the likable Foote debuting as understudy) have believable, endearing chemistry as the sly, older brother used to getting his way and the supportive, submissive little brother, respectively. Becky has a spunky energy that comes through as she does her best to corral the clever duo while staying true to her love of the theater.
The cast’s comedic chops and musicality are on full display. Harris’s physical comedy as the effusive investigator and Welti’s dry improvisation as the eclectic cat owner are reminiscent of comedy favorites, Harvey Korman and Tim Conway. Welti’s dialogue put not only the audience in stitches but his castmates, as well, adding an extra dose of hilarity.
Kudos to the musicality of the cast and the musical team. Kyle Purbaugh (Music Production) and Logan Kelley (Music Director), present a wide range of musical genres including rap, show tunes, and 90’s boy band love songs. Mosier’s strong and versatile vocals create a sustaining framework and foundation for the various musical numbers. Roberts and Harris both powerfully belt their own renditions of the showstopper centerpiece, “Booked It.” Carpenter shines vocally as her character, Becky, steps into her true voice. The piano is a character of its own and is played masterfully by Paige Michaels and James Farmer. Beloved Pickleville Playhouse veteran, Sharli Davis King’s choreography is a joyful and energetic homage to classic musicals with elements of tap dance as well as ingenious use of props and space.
This production does have a double cast. Speaking to some of the cast members briefly, I was told they create their own schedules with their doubles so the dynamic for each performance changes accordingly and keeps it fresh for them and the audience.
Thick as Thieves is a rollicking good time. With family-friendly humor, inside jokes, a range of music, and a talented cast that truly enjoys performing with each other, is a treat! The enthusiastic reaction of the crowd confirms it!
Pickleville Playhouse Presents Thick As Thieves by Derek Davis
2049 S Bear Lake Blvd; Garden City, UT 84028
May 26 – September 4, 2023
Ticket Cost:
Adult Ticket pricing: $29-37
Children’s Ticket pricing: $25-33
Adult Dinner Pricing: $15.95
Child Dinner Pricing: $10.95
Box Office Phone: (435) 946-2918
Pickleville Playhouse
Calander Link
Box Office: (435) 946-2918
Instagram: @pickleville
FB: Pickleville Playhouse
The actor you saw as Roger was Crapo not Mosier! Thanks for the incredible review of our show!