Opened: March 22, 2007

Book by: Rupert Holmes

Music by: John Kander

Lyrics by: Fred Ebb

Original Broadway Cast: David Hyde Pierce, Debra Monk, Karen Ziemba, Jason Danieley, Jill Paice, Edward Hibbert, John Bolton, Michael X. Martin, Michael McCormick, Noah Racey, Ernie Sabella, Megan Sikora, Nili Bassman, Kevin Bernard, Paula Leggett Chase, Jennifer Dunne, Matt Farnsworth, Patty Goble, Mary Ann Lamb, Brittany Marcin, Jim Newman, Joe Aaron Reid, Darcie Roberts, Christopher Spaulding & David Loud

A murder mystery musical about a group putting on a musical? A bit of inception, but you should count yourself in.

When horrible film star Jessica Cranshaw (Patty Goble) is murdered during an out of town tryout of the new musical “Robbin’ Hood!,” Lieutenant Frank Cioffi (David Hyde Pierce) is sent to solve the crime as the company tries to go on without more deaths.

More than anything, this is just a really fun musical. The entire ensemble matters and is used to their potential as just as much work goes into solving the problems of “Robbin’ Hood!” as what goes into solving the murder. Lt. Cioffi loses himself in the musical world and Pierce delivers his comedy like gold.

Anyone who has seen musical theater will appreciate the large group numbers.

Final say: There’s something for everyone here. ★★★★☆