Murder and mayhem prevail, in a hilarious family kind of way, with The Town Players current production of Charles Ludlam’s The Artificial Jungle, an outrageously campy romp through a quirky pet shop nestled in downtown Manhattan. Complete with an overbearing mom, neighborhood cop and conniving wife, this family makes good on the old adage of “the ties that bind, and gag.”

Under the direction of Gene Golaszewski, a cast of remarkably quick studies has turned out an evening of pure farce which is delightfully entertaining.

Pet shop owner and oblivious husband Chester Nurdiger, played by Tim Huebenthal, is a hapless naïve with a penchant for wild critters he can pawn off to unsuspecting friends and neighbors. He is satisfied with his little business and his regular Thursday night domino games with local law enforcer and loyal friend Frankie Spinelli, played by Ron Malyszka.

His other half, wife Roxanne (Olivia Carr), not so much. Roxanne is literally bored out of her mind and being driven over the edge by her hard of hearing, meddling mother in law, Mother Nurdinger (Laurel Lattieri).

A plan is hatched when the unsuspecting, edgy Zachary Slade (Brian DeToma) responds to a Help Wanted sign in the pet shop window. Roxanne seduces Slade with threats and promises of all sorts of shenanigans if he will help her escape the monotony of her existence with a diabolical plot.

What ensues is madcap action. Friday’s opening night audience soaked it up. As the story gathered steam, the audience took the ride.

The entire cast is to be commended for their energy and effort. Tim Huebenthal’s portrayal of the simple, enthusiastic Chester was spot on. Ron Malyszka’s devoted Frankie was completely sincere; everyone would want him as a best friend. Laurel Lettieri, as the annoying yet loving — some might say smothering — Mother Nurdinger, gave a convincing performance.

The physical gyrations, glasses and blue suede shoes on Zachary Slade (how could he not be totally cool with a name like that?), belied the deeper moral conscience which Mr DeToma capably revealed. Olivia Carr, as the outrageous Roxanne, used her physicality and voice to display some serious comedic talent. She revels in the role and commits completely. She is a riot.

Rosemary Howard delivered as the loyal regular Mrs Muncie, playing a small but vital role in the life of the pet shop. The broad comedy was well served by the veracity of the performances.

The well designed set, chock full of pet shop doodads and paraphernalia, gave just the right atmosphere of clutter and shabby. The moving props, which need to be seen to be appreciated, were characters in themselves.

The Artificial Jungle has everything to do with wild animals, just not the kind you can buy in a pet shop.  “The law of the jungle” is how animals survive declares Chester. In this jungle that is how families survive … or not. This is one entertaining urban safari ride that should not be missed!

(Performances continue through September 27, with curtain on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sunday matinees on September 14 and 21.

Visit NewtownPlayers.org or call 203-270-9144 for tickets details, reservations and other information.)