Sex, seniors and murder make for laughs in 'Happy Pleasant Valley'

Dean (Miller Liberatore, left), Jade (Sophie Oda) and June (Emily Kuroda) review clues. (Kevin Berne)

 

“Happy Pleasant Valley: A Senior Sex Scandal Murder Mystery Musical” is making its world premiere at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley after its enthusiastic reception at the company’s 2023 New Works Festival.

Most of the action is set in Happy Pleasant Valley, a senior residential facility in San Mateo, where several men have died after sexual encounters with June (Emily Kuroda). Because she’s suspected of being responsible for their death, she’s being threatened with eviction.

Her granddaughter, Jade (Sophie Oda), a Gen Z influencer, goes to the facility to help her find the real reason behind the men’s deaths. She’s accompanied by her nerdy cameraman, Dean (Miller Liberatore, who’s also an assistant director).

Several residents come under June’s suspicions. They include Bernice (Jacqueline De Muro), who’s pretending to be someone she’s not; Vicki (Lucinda Hitchcock Cone), who’s searching for Walter, a missing squirrel; and DeeDee (Cindy Goldfield), who has an open relationship with her bisexual husband, Mort (Danny Scheie).

Completing the cast are the two ensemble players: Michael Patrick Gaffney and Rinabeth Apostol. She’s noteworthy as Cara, the officious facility director.

As June, Jade and Dean team up to find who or what caused the men to die, secrets are uncovered before the culprit is discovered.

And there are many humorous moments, thanks to Min Kahng, who wrote the clever book, lyrics and music.

Director Jeffrey Lo has selected a top-notch cast of mostly Bay Area actors who excel in all aspects of their roles: acting, singing and dancing.

Musical director William Liberatore serves as conductor and keyboardist with the three other musicians in the orchestra pit.

The choreography is by Lee Ann Payne. The flexible set is by Arnel Sancianco, enhanced by David Lee Cuthbert’ projections, Kurt Landisman’s lighting, James Ard’s sound and Jill C. Bowers’ costumes.

Because “Happy Pleasant Valley: A Senior Sex Scandal Murder Mystery Musical” is a co-production with Center Repertory Company, it will move to Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts June 1-29.

Running about two and half hours with an intermission, TheatreWorks’ production will continue through March 30 at the Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto.

For tickets and information, call (877) 662-8978 or visit www.theatrework.org.