Pegasus Theatre

We have been to 3 or 4 shows now in black & white theatre and my wife and I are definitely fans. It is a nice change of pace from the usual date night and the shows are fun and interesting. We are always amazed at the costumes and makeup and the hospitality of the actors. They come out to visit with the audience after the show and it is neat to see them in their get ups in the lobby with Norma lighting and the contrast with colors of the outside world. I definitely recommend this for a different evening out on a date or with friends, especially if you are a fan of film noir.

Talented Kurt Kleinmann and troupe return again to the Eisemann Center in Richardson for another very successful "In Living Black and White" production!!! If you have missed this local annual December/January event, you must get on the Eisemann mailing list or add a reminder to that iPhone! This is live theater at its best. The acting is superb, the make-up, props and costumes top notch, and after the show you can meet the actors in person and take photographs. For those who are not familiar with Kleinmann's "In Living Black and White" concept, this is a unique theater production where the actors and actresses are dressed in black, white and shades of gray and their skin covered with a silver powder, with props in the same color palette. The result........ a live stage production that looks like 1930's/40's black and white TV. The acting is so flawless that once you lose yourself in the storyline it feels like you're watching a movie.Each production is a comedy murder mystery that includes recurring characters Harry Hunsacker (Kurt Kleinmann) - the "world famous detective and aspiring actor," Nigel Grouse (Ben Bryant) - Hunsacker's "paid-by-the-hour" assistant and Lt. Foster (Chad Cline) of the "real police." Be ready to laugh and cry a lot (ladies....bring plenty of tissues to share!). This is my fourth year to follow the Pegasus Theatre and this year's production "The Frequency of Death!" is by far the funniest YET. As many of you know, my husband is from Scotland and it was a real treat when this year's play included two Scottish women who have broken free from prison. The fast, witty Scots dialogue and Charissa Lee's outstanding performance had us in stitches! It was also magnificent to meet Charissa after the play and surprise her and the other actors with John's thick authentic Scottish brogue. :)Another wonderful surprise included with this year's performance is the opening and supporting act of local singer Simone Gundy, whose voice and beauty charmed us all with her rendition of popular 1930's songs. Simone, who lives in Arlington, Texas, is destined for greatness. I feel certain that her voice will one day be compared to the likes of the great Etta James. With matching vintage dress, gloves, hat and microphone, Simone sang jazz favorites "My Funny Valentine" and "Pennies From Heaven," as well as others we know and love. It set the tone for the play and was a great and creative addition to this year's stage performance. I hope Pegasus Theatre will find a permanent place for Simone!Pegasus Theatre is a professional not-for-profit theatre that began operations in October 1985 in the Deep Ellum district of Dallas, Texas. The mission of Pegasus Theatre is to: "Produce new and original comedies in a professional setting, highlighting the talents of North Texas theatre artists."

Pegasus Theatre's Black & White Murder Mysteries are a wonder to behold and a delight to experience. I have seen many and I can assure you that there is nothing else like these shows. These 30's/40's parodies mimic the style of those old black and whites that we all love so much. These shows hearken back to a simpler time when no one really died in the movies, there was no actual blood on film, and married couples slept in separate beds with one leg on the floor. Smoking was encouraged as a health benefit and alcohol was only barely legal. The style is 30's/40's and the show is actually in black and white. There is absolutely no color on stage. It may be a cliche, but in this case seeing really is believing.The actors are covered in grey makeup, even their mouths are dyed black. The costumes and set are in black, white, and shades of grey. Your eyes adjust and before you know it, you are watching an old movie on the big screen. The real treat comes at the end when the Lady in Red walks out on stage with the actors and your eyes just about pop out of your head looking at the color contrast. Then you move into the lobby to find the cast waiting for you and you get to experience the effect first hand.The shows are fun for the whole family! The dialogue is easy to follow and the mystery is fun to watch unfold. The content is family friendly and the kids love Harry, who is a kid at heart himself.Bring the family or have date night, it's an experience you won't soon forget!

We have really enjoyed the Pegasus Theatre "Harry Hunsacker" black and white mystery series for a number of years, but after this year, I think we're through. The script was muddled and ridiculous. Whole sets of characters were added that only detracted from the story. We looked at each other and debated wether to even stay for the 2nd act. No NOT recommend.