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Shear Madness

Presented by Shear Madness at The Charles Playhouse

Ongoing

Avg. Event Rating (4.9 Stars):

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Set in a local hair salon and with lines as up-to-date as the morning's news, Shear Madness is theatre with the audience as a central character. In this Boston institution, ongoing at the Charles Playhouse since 1980, the audience gets to help solve a murder mystery in a laugh-a-minute blend of whodunit and improvisational theater. The clues change every night and the laughs come fast and funny. This worldwide phenomenon is filled with up to the minute spontaneous humor and quicksilver improvisation. The audience becomes part of the action and gets to solve the crime.

Voted "Best Comedy of the Year" seven times by the Boston Globe and recipient of the title "Best Play of the Year" by both the Chicago Sun-Times and the Philadelphia Enquirer, "Shear Madness" has also received the Raven Award from the Mystery Writers of America and has been inducted into the Comedy Hall of Fame, the first play ever to receive that accolade. "Shear Madness" is listed in the Guiness Book of World Records as the longest running play in the history of the USA.

At-a-
Glance
- Venue Info
  
  The Charles Playhouse
  
  74 Warrenton Street
  Boston, MA 02116
  
  Full map and directions
- Admission Info
  
  Tickets:
  $50
  
  Info Phone: 617-426-5225
  
  Buy Tickets
  
  Buy ½ price tickets at BosTix.org
- Dates & Times
  
  Dates:
  Ongoing
  
  Times:
  
  Tues. - Friday 8:00 pm Saturday 6:00 & 9:00 pm Sunday 3:00 & 7:00 pm
- Accessibility Info
- Video & Image Gallery
  
  Currently, additional images/videos have not been submitted for this event.
- Member Reviews
  
  Add review/comment
  - Event Name: Shear Madness
    "Shear Madness is a Treasure!"
    Review posted by: Toni Macione from Salem, MA, Jul 19, 2011
    
    Two Sunday matinees ago I took a young teenage friend of mine to see this play...she hadn't experienced theater like this...she just loved it! Seated so close to the stage we felt like were apart of... Expand
    
    Two Sunday matinees ago I took a young teenage friend of mine to see this play...she hadn't experienced theater like this...she just loved it! Seated so close to the stage we felt like were apart of the act. The interaction with the cast was so much fun. Neil A. Casey (Tony) kept us in stitches, all the performers were very entertaining. This was my third time seeing Shear Madness but it won't be my last. Thanks for thirty years of suspense and laughter! Collapse
  - Event Name: Shear Madness
    "Great Show!"
    Review posted by: EdS from Flanders, NJ, Sep 28, 2009
    
    I wasn't sure what to expect, but from the very beginning, I was completely engaged and laughing continuously. What a great evening! I would definitely see this again and would recommend the show... Expand
    
    I wasn't sure what to expect, but from the very beginning, I was completely engaged and laughing continuously. What a great evening! I would definitely see this again and would recommend the show to everyone Collapse
  - Event Name: Shear Madness
    "6th time seeing this show"
    Review posted by: BarbaraT from Braintree MA, Sep 28, 2009
    
    Saw the original cast.Saw the DC production. EVERY show a hoot. The outing last Saturday in Boston was intergenerational, and we all had a great time.
    
    Saw the original cast.Saw the DC production. EVERY show a hoot. The outing last Saturday in Boston was intergenerational, and we all had a great time.
  - Event Name: Shear Madness
    "Great Show! Lots of Laughs"
    Review posted by: JPryor from Falls Church, VA, Aug 20, 2009
    
    The show was fantastic. This was our first visit to Boston and to see Shear Madness. The cast was very engaging and audience friendly, a must see.
    
    The show was fantastic. This was our first visit to Boston and to see Shear Madness. The cast was very engaging and audience friendly, a must see.
  - Event Name: Shear Madness
    "Great place to take out of towners"
    Review posted by: MIT Michelle from Cambridge, MA, Jun 30, 2009
    
    My husband and I took his parents to see a 6:00 show on 6/27. They're big theater buffs and we all had a great time. It was great entertainment and offered a bunch of laughs. I wouldn't want to take... Expand
    
    My husband and I took his parents to see a 6:00 show on 6/27. They're big theater buffs and we all had a great time. It was great entertainment and offered a bunch of laughs. I wouldn't want to take young kids to see it. Since some of it is improv, some jokes or innuendos can get a little hot. I'd say 13+ anyway since it is a cabaret style theater (bar). Collapse
  - Event Name: Shear Madness
    "June 19, 2009 Performance"
    Review posted by: Linda from Poughkeepsie New Yokr, Jun 22, 2009
    
    Absolutely fantastic performance by all again!! This was my husband and mine second time and we brought another couple - their first time -- they too loved it and we recommended to others staying at... Expand
    
    Absolutely fantastic performance by all again!! This was my husband and mine second time and we brought another couple - their first time -- they too loved it and we recommended to others staying at our hotel -- which they went the next night and loved it as well!!! Keep it going!!!! Collapse
  - Event Name: Shear Madness
    "the best ever"
    Review posted by: nat's mom from needham, ma usa, Jun 01, 2009
    
    My daughter and her friends from drama class went to see shear madness. They absolutely loved it. They thought it was funny, witty, clever, and entertaining!! And no matter how many times I have... Expand
    
    My daughter and her friends from drama class went to see shear madness. They absolutely loved it. They thought it was funny, witty, clever, and entertaining!! And no matter how many times I have seen it, I always find it refreshing and humorous. Collapse
  - Event Name: Shear Madness
    "Got even better!"
    Review posted by: SHL from Boston, Ma, May 13, 2009
    
    I saw Shear madness 25 years ago and decided to take my mother and daughter for mother's day and we all loved it! It was even better than 25 years ago. My husband and father felt the same!
    
    I saw Shear madness 25 years ago and decided to take my mother and daughter for mother's day and we all loved it! It was even better than 25 years ago. My husband and father felt the same!
  - Event Name: Shear Madness
    "Evoles with time over 26 years"
    Review posted by: Glenn Gutierrez from Winchester, MA, May 03, 2009
    
    Wonderful show with solid acting and great comedic timing.
    
    Wonderful show with solid acting and great comedic timing.
  - Event Name: Shear Madness
    "Fantastic! Hilarious!"
    Review posted by: Steve S from Boston, MA, Apr 24, 2009
    
    This show was so great! We truly enjoyed the showed and laughed a lot! The actors were all FANTASTIC!
    
    This show was so great! We truly enjoyed the showed and laughed a lot! The actors were all FANTASTIC!
  - Event Name: Shear Madness
    "Hilarious and Very Boston-y!"
    Review posted by: camk from Boston, Apr 23, 2009
    
    I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was HYSTERICAL! My friends and I had a great time. Can't wait to go again to see a different ending -- they say it's different every night!
    
    I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was HYSTERICAL! My friends and I had a great time. Can't wait to go again to see a different ending -- they say it's different every night!
  - Event Name: Shear Madness
    "Great time out for our Girl Scout troop"
    Review posted by: Troop leader from Syracuse NY, Apr 16, 2009
    
    The show became a hit with our older Girl Scout troop. They laughed their heads off and raved about it for days after. The adults also had a terrific time and it was one of the funniest shows I'll... Expand
    
    The show became a hit with our older Girl Scout troop. They laughed their heads off and raved about it for days after. The adults also had a terrific time and it was one of the funniest shows I'll been to in along time. The performers found out that we were visiting and inserted our names, home city into there dialog in the show. That made the performance very special to us as guests. The tickets were priced reasonably and easy to order online and pick up at the will call. We would highly recommend this show on their visit to Boston, MA. Collapse
  - Event Name: Shear Madness
    "great show for any audience"
    Review posted by: b from Boston, MA, Apr 08, 2009
    
    Great show. I loved the audience-performer interaction, energy, and venue. I would certainly participate in another show (if tix were less expensive). The only part of the evening I found "weak"... Expand
    
    Great show. I loved the audience-performer interaction, energy, and venue. I would certainly participate in another show (if tix were less expensive). The only part of the evening I found "weak" was the ending: It was arguably abrupt and disrupted the overall fluidity of the show. Collapse
Media
Gallery
- All Media Gallery
  
  Currently, additional images/videos have not been submitted for this event.
Member
Reviews
- Member Reviews
  
  Add review/comment
  - Event Name: Shear Madness
    "Shear Madness is a Treasure!"
    Review posted by: Toni Macione from Salem, MA, Jul 19, 2011
    
    Two Sunday matinees ago I took a young teenage friend of mine to see this play...she hadn't experienced theater like this...she just loved it! Seated so close to the stage we felt like were apart of... Expand
    
    Two Sunday matinees ago I took a young teenage friend of mine to see this play...she hadn't experienced theater like this...she just loved it! Seated so close to the stage we felt like were apart of the act. The interaction with the cast was so much fun. Neil A. Casey (Tony) kept us in stitches, all the performers were very entertaining. This was my third time seeing Shear Madness but it won't be my last. Thanks for thirty years of suspense and laughter! Collapse
  - Event Name: Shear Madness
    "Great Show!"
    Review posted by: EdS from Flanders, NJ, Sep 28, 2009
    
    I wasn't sure what to expect, but from the very beginning, I was completely engaged and laughing continuously. What a great evening! I would definitely see this again and would recommend the show... Expand
    
    I wasn't sure what to expect, but from the very beginning, I was completely engaged and laughing continuously. What a great evening! I would definitely see this again and would recommend the show to everyone Collapse
  - Event Name: Shear Madness
    "6th time seeing this show"
    Review posted by: BarbaraT from Braintree MA, Sep 28, 2009
    
    Saw the original cast.Saw the DC production. EVERY show a hoot. The outing last Saturday in Boston was intergenerational, and we all had a great time.
    
    Saw the original cast.Saw the DC production. EVERY show a hoot. The outing last Saturday in Boston was intergenerational, and we all had a great time.
  - Event Name: Shear Madness
    "Great Show! Lots of Laughs"
    Review posted by: JPryor from Falls Church, VA, Aug 20, 2009
    
    The show was fantastic. This was our first visit to Boston and to see Shear Madness. The cast was very engaging and audience friendly, a must see.
    
    The show was fantastic. This was our first visit to Boston and to see Shear Madness. The cast was very engaging and audience friendly, a must see.
  - Event Name: Shear Madness
    "Great place to take out of towners"
    Review posted by: MIT Michelle from Cambridge, MA, Jun 30, 2009
    
    My husband and I took his parents to see a 6:00 show on 6/27. They're big theater buffs and we all had a great time. It was great entertainment and offered a bunch of laughs. I wouldn't want to take... Expand
    
    My husband and I took his parents to see a 6:00 show on 6/27. They're big theater buffs and we all had a great time. It was great entertainment and offered a bunch of laughs. I wouldn't want to take young kids to see it. Since some of it is improv, some jokes or innuendos can get a little hot. I'd say 13+ anyway since it is a cabaret style theater (bar). Collapse
  - Event Name: Shear Madness
    "June 19, 2009 Performance"
    Review posted by: Linda from Poughkeepsie New Yokr, Jun 22, 2009
    
    Absolutely fantastic performance by all again!! This was my husband and mine second time and we brought another couple - their first time -- they too loved it and we recommended to others staying at... Expand
    
    Absolutely fantastic performance by all again!! This was my husband and mine second time and we brought another couple - their first time -- they too loved it and we recommended to others staying at our hotel -- which they went the next night and loved it as well!!! Keep it going!!!! Collapse
  - Event Name: Shear Madness
    "the best ever"
    Review posted by: nat's mom from needham, ma usa, Jun 01, 2009
    
    My daughter and her friends from drama class went to see shear madness. They absolutely loved it. They thought it was funny, witty, clever, and entertaining!! And no matter how many times I have... Expand
    
    My daughter and her friends from drama class went to see shear madness. They absolutely loved it. They thought it was funny, witty, clever, and entertaining!! And no matter how many times I have seen it, I always find it refreshing and humorous. Collapse
  - Event Name: Shear Madness
    "Got even better!"
    Review posted by: SHL from Boston, Ma, May 13, 2009
    
    I saw Shear madness 25 years ago and decided to take my mother and daughter for mother's day and we all loved it! It was even better than 25 years ago. My husband and father felt the same!
    
    I saw Shear madness 25 years ago and decided to take my mother and daughter for mother's day and we all loved it! It was even better than 25 years ago. My husband and father felt the same!
  - Event Name: Shear Madness
    "Evoles with time over 26 years"
    Review posted by: Glenn Gutierrez from Winchester, MA, May 03, 2009
    
    Wonderful show with solid acting and great comedic timing.
    
    Wonderful show with solid acting and great comedic timing.
  - Event Name: Shear Madness
    "Fantastic! Hilarious!"
    Review posted by: Steve S from Boston, MA, Apr 24, 2009
    
    This show was so great! We truly enjoyed the showed and laughed a lot! The actors were all FANTASTIC!
    
    This show was so great! We truly enjoyed the showed and laughed a lot! The actors were all FANTASTIC!
  - Event Name: Shear Madness
    "Hilarious and Very Boston-y!"
    Review posted by: camk from Boston, Apr 23, 2009
    
    I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was HYSTERICAL! My friends and I had a great time. Can't wait to go again to see a different ending -- they say it's different every night!
    
    I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was HYSTERICAL! My friends and I had a great time. Can't wait to go again to see a different ending -- they say it's different every night!
  - Event Name: Shear Madness
    "Great time out for our Girl Scout troop"
    Review posted by: Troop leader from Syracuse NY, Apr 16, 2009
    
    The show became a hit with our older Girl Scout troop. They laughed their heads off and raved about it for days after. The adults also had a terrific time and it was one of the funniest shows I'll... Expand
    
    The show became a hit with our older Girl Scout troop. They laughed their heads off and raved about it for days after. The adults also had a terrific time and it was one of the funniest shows I'll been to in along time. The performers found out that we were visiting and inserted our names, home city into there dialog in the show. That made the performance very special to us as guests. The tickets were priced reasonably and easy to order online and pick up at the will call. We would highly recommend this show on their visit to Boston, MA. Collapse
  - Event Name: Shear Madness
    "great show for any audience"
    Review posted by: b from Boston, MA, Apr 08, 2009
    
    Great show. I loved the audience-performer interaction, energy, and venue. I would certainly participate in another show (if tix were less expensive). The only part of the evening I found "weak"... Expand
    
    Great show. I loved the audience-performer interaction, energy, and venue. I would certainly participate in another show (if tix were less expensive). The only part of the evening I found "weak" was the ending: It was arguably abrupt and disrupted the overall fluidity of the show. Collapse
Media
Reviews
- Media Reviews
  
  There are currently no media reviews for this event.

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THEATRE

Shear Madness

At-a-Glance

Venue Info

Admission Info

Dates & Times

Accessibility Info

Video & Image Gallery

Member Reviews

Media Gallery

All Media Gallery

Member Reviews

Member Reviews

Media Reviews

Media Reviews

State & Local Resources

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With Acknowledgement of our Regional Partners

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At-a-
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Reviews

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Reviews