From February 25 to March 9, Prairie Theatre Exchange is inviting audiences into a futuristic world where the five-star restaurant La Cucina takes centre stage—not just for its impeccable service and tantalizing menu, but for a murder that shakes its elite clientele.
A Murder Mystery Unfolds at Prairie Theatre Exchange
When a renowned food critic drops dead at the exclusive La Cucina, the list of suspects is as rich as the dishes served. Could the celebrated chef be behind it? The ambitious waiter? A dishwasher with a secret grudge? Or perhaps one of the VIP guests with a few skeletons in their closet? Enter Lucia Dante, a world-famous detective ready to crack the case—alongside her AI sidekick, Isabella. But Lucia isn’t just hunting a killer; she has a personal score to settle. And as they say, revenge is best served cold.
Lucia Dante: A Sleuth with a Personal Agenda
A Killing at La Cucina is a true murder mystery packed with twists and turns. Written by Thomas Morgan Jones in collaboration with Calgary’s Vertigo Theatre, the play promises a gripping storyline that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. If you love Knives Out, Agatha Christie novels, or great theatre, this show is for you.
Behind the Scenes: The Collaborative Creation of A Killing at La Cucina
Taking on the role of the sharp-witted sleuth Lucia Dante is award-winning actor Lauren Brotman. With over 20 years of experience performing across Canada and internationally, Brotman has trained at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London and has worked with renowned companies such as Theatre NorthWest, Native Earth Performing Arts, and Canadian Stage through her company Born to Create.
Brotman explained that A Killing at La Cucina was conceived by Thomas Morgan Jones while he was Artistic Director at Prairie Theatre Exchange. “I think he was looking for a murder mystery, but he wanted something really modern,” she said. When his executive director Lisa Lee encouraged him to write one himself, he set to work. “He immediately contacted Jack [Grinhaus], my partner, and they began collaborating. It was really Tom’s brainchild.”
From Script to Stage: The Evolution of a Modern Murder Mystery
The workshopping process was intense, with multiple actors reading for roles in different cities over Zoom. Brotman recalls that Jones wrote at lightning speed. “Within days, he had a draft,” she said. “Jack would give him notes, and within a day or two, a new draft would appear.” As the script evolved, Brotman contributed to shaping Lucia Dante’s character. “Thomas is writing a woman, but I was able to offer things that felt more in line with a woman’s experience,” she explained.
A Dynamic Duo: Lauren Brotman and Braden Griffiths Bring the Play to Life
Lucia Dante is a complex character—fierce, passionate, and deeply driven by justice. “She’s written as a vibrant, expressive, strong woman, but there’s an underbelly of vulnerability and pain that I found really interesting,” Brotman said. “She’s almost like a superhero, but in the way that Superman is—a human with vulnerabilities.”
The production features just two actors: Brotman as Lucia Dante, and Braden Griffiths as “Actor #2.” While the title might sound generic, Brotman described the role as anything but. “Actor #2 is playing, I think, six or seven characters,” she said. “It’s a full-fledged human playing full-fledged humans.” Griffiths, who is also Brotman’s partner, has to rapidly switch between roles, sometimes with near-instantaneous costume changes. “It’s really fun for him, but also extremely challenging.”
The Art of Physicality: Choreography and Movement in the Play
Beyond the acting, the play’s physicality adds to its immersive experience. The production includes fight choreography by John Knight, who tailored the combat sequences specifically for Brotman and Griffiths. “He knows how I move, he knows what I can do easily, so it can be more elaborate and yet much easier for me,” she said. “And Braden—he’ll take any fall and any hit, but it’s really stylized and choreographed.”
The play’s movement direction, led by Javier Vilalta, incorporates stylized gestures and expressive physicality, particularly for Griffiths to differentiate between characters. “It’s not a dance piece, but there’s a lot of expressive movement,” Brotman explained. Even small details, like a brief physical moment at the start of the show, help set the tone for the production’s unique atmosphere.
Isabella, the AI Sidekick: The Challenge of Synchronizing with a Pre-Recorded Projection
Adding to the play’s futuristic flair is Lucia’s AI sidekick, Isabella. Isabella is portrayed through a pre-recorded projection of Brotman herself. “It was a whole process—makeup, hair, filming—and then there’s the challenge of performing live with a recorded version of myself,” she said. To synchronize the performance, a stage manager calls each of Isabella’s lines in real-time, cueing the sound operator to trigger the projection. “It’s a whole thing,” Brotman said with a laugh. “It’s exciting and challenging.”
Sound and Lighting: Creating a Tense, Futuristic Atmosphere
Music, lighting, and projections play a crucial role in setting the play’s mood. Sound designer MJ Dandeneau created a layered soundscape, incorporating spontaneous moments such as Brotman humming a tune offhandedly during recording. “She heard it, she came over and said, ‘Can I please record you?’ and now it’s woven into the show,” Brotman said. Even the simple sound of her clicking a Rubik’s Cube has been incorporated into the production’s auditory landscape.
Lighting designer Jaymez initially envisioned a film noir aesthetic, but when faced with an all-white set, he had to adjust his vision. “The lighting was supposed to be dark and shadowy, but on this set, it just didn’t have the impact they wanted,” Brotman explained. The result is a striking visual contrast that creates a mesmerizing effect, keeping the audience both relaxed and on edge at the same time.
Engage with the Mystery: What to Expect from A Killing at La Cucina
Brotman hopes audiences will immerse themselves in the mystery, whether they prefer to simply enjoy the ride or attempt to solve the puzzle ahead of time. “We have to stay ahead of the audience but can’t let them fall behind,” she said. The play is crafted to highlight key moments, ensuring that viewers pick up on crucial clues—though Brotman hints that repeat viewings may reveal even more. “It’s like reading a great mystery—you catch things the second or third time that you didn’t see before.”
Catch the Show: A Killing at La Cucina Runs Until March 9 at Prairie Theatre Exchange
With its unique blend of murder mystery, cutting-edge technology, and dynamic performances, A Killing at La Cucina promises to be an unforgettable theatrical experience. Audiences can catch the show at Prairie Theatre Exchange from February 25 to March 9.
