Funny play slays

While Charleston has a well-earned reputation for many things, from historic buildings to historic firsts, now it can claim to be the murder capital of the South, according to Pure Theatre's latest production, "Low Country Boil."

R.W. Smith's play, a sequel to his previously Pure-produced "Horse Tranqs & Carriage People," features a prodigiously talented cast of eight actors portraying characters who mostly wind up lying on the stage dead. This does not stop any one of them from delivering some of the funniest lines imaginable that got even bigger laughs from the opening night overflow audience, who could appreciate the jibs and jabs aimed at local personalities and institutions

Nothing is sacred in this 90-minute show, from fundraising for the arts community to oyster knives to North Chuck. The playwright also directs, and the action is as fast as the dialogue. Smith has a pivotal role as Linus, as well, only one of this company of lowlifes.

David Mandel adds another dimension to his stagecraft as Nick, the first of this motley collection we meet, joined in mayhem and unremitting violence by Jenny Pringle as the slut with a heart of avarice. Robbie Thomas plays the cocky mayor, Will Hodges is his henchman, Brian de Costa turns in a bravado performance as a sociopath, while Randy Risher is the ideal preppie who's rotten as the rest. Katie Huard's Liz shines with innocence for a moment.

Relationships here are fuzzy, and if you know anyone in our fair city who is remotely like these folks, don't even think of introducing us.