Fun Fact: Shear Madness is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest running play in America.

Target Audience: This is a unique experience to interact with the characters and be a part of the script development which I think anyone from 8 to 80 will enjoy.

Feel-o-meter: Leaving the theatre with a grin on your face is always a win!

Standout Actor: Jordan Ahnquist is FABULOUS (and might need Adderall).

Verdict: The "highlight" of my week and a blow out success!

Shear Madness starts with frantic energy, loud music and the daily routine at the Shear Madness salon, based in New York City's Hell's Kitchen. The set is brightly lit with lots of color and an eighties reminiscence. The show is certainly not taking itself seriously and neither should you. It is fun, fast paced and every detail has been thought through. One has to pay attention to the commotion on stage as the second act calls for audience participation to solve a murder that takes place. As the audience members try to solve the mystery the scenes are reenacted and the actors move between a few scripted lines and improvisation. The actors are incredibly dynamic with hilarious one-liners that reference current affair, pop stars and poke fun at the audience.

The moment I saw Tony Whitcomb (played by Jordan Ahnquist) in action I wanted to be his "BFF", a term I never use. He optimizes the stereotype of the over-the-top, bitchy, caring and dramatic queen who will keep you entertained for hours and defend you to the death. The Shear Madness hair salon is Whitcomb's pride and joy and he believes the one thing standing in the way of his success is the geriatric pianist upstairs who plays incessantly. She drives him mad and we wonder if it is enough to push this firecracker to commit murder. Ahnquist's performance is mesmerizing and every ounce of his being is taken over by Whitcomb who is cheeky, flirty and moves around the stage like a wind up toy. Alongside his sexual innuendos and politically incorrect jokes, he has a mischievous glint in his eye and a cheeky grin which made me giddy, and causes the other actors to corpse several times.

Ahnquist reads the audience so well that he could clearly see me falling in love, he walked over to my husband and announced "Oh hey, it's you – I didn't recognize you with your clothes on! If you're with him you are one lucky girl!" We were in stiches of laughter and I felt like my new friendship was underway as he winked at me, and then turned hot on his heels to the next punchline.

Ahnquist was a part of the Shear Madness company in Boston which has been voted Best Comedy of the Year, eight times. After seeing the play it is no surprise. This is a great night out for a group of friends, and judging by the 60-something year old woman behind me who couldn't breathe she was laughing so much – it's a real hit, and you better empty your bladder before the start.

Reviewed by Nicola Quinn

Tuesday February 3rd, 2016
New World Stages, New York City
Find me on Twitter: @newyorktheatre