Displaying items by tag: Whodunit

Few authors have mastered the art of the whodunit quite like Agatha Christie, whose intricate mysteries continue to captivate audiences decades after they were first penned. Adapted for the stage by Leslie Darbon from the prized author’s celebrated novel, A Murder Is Announced, the Saint Sebastian Players bring one of Christie's most ingenious puzzles to life at St. Bonaventure, blending suspense, humor, and a colorful collection of suspects into an evening of classic detective theater. Filled with secrets, red herrings, and unexpected twists, the production invites audiences to play detective alongside Christie's beloved amateur sleuth, Miss Marple, as she untangles a mystery that proves far more complicated than anyone initially suspects.

The intrigue begins when the residents of the quiet English village of Chipping Cleghorn discover a peculiar notice in the local newspaper announcing that a murder will take place at the home of Letitia Blacklock at a specific time and date. Assuming it must be some sort of joke or party game, curious neighbors gather at the appointed hour, only to find themselves present when an actual murder occurs. As the investigation unfolds, hidden identities, long-buried secrets, and unexpected motives begin to emerge from beneath the village's seemingly respectable facade. With suspicion falling on nearly everyone involved, Miss Marple gradually pieces together the clues, patiently separating fact from deception until the startling truth is revealed. Rich in wit and packed with clever misdirection, A Murder Is Announced remains one of the incomparable crime novelist’s most satisfying mysteries, rewarding audiences with a puzzle that keeps them guessing until the very end.

As the intrigue deepens, the Saint Sebastian Players benefit from a cast that readily embraces the source material's suspense and sly sense of humor. Abby McEntee's Miss Marple is confidently in command throughout, bringing a sharp intelligence and quiet determination to the role while skillfully connecting the dots that elude everyone else. Eric S. Prahl makes for a likable and engaging Inspector Craddock, balancing the character's investigative instincts with an approachable charm that keeps audiences invested in the case. Dawn Cole nearly steals every scene she enters as Mitzi, delivering some of the evening's biggest laughs through impeccable comic timing and a wonderfully authentic-sounding Hungarian accent. Emilia Barrosse is equally entertaining as Dora Bunner, injecting warmth, nervous energy, and several well-earned moments of humor into the proceedings. Meanwhile, Jill Chukerman Test provides a steady presence as Letitia Blacklock, maintaining the poise and composure necessary for a character suddenly thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Supported by a capable ensemble that includes Shelley DeHosse, Adam Hoak, Sophie Marantette, Molly McGillivray-Smith, Joleigh Reiss, and Sam Waddell, the company creates a lively collection of suspects and witnesses that makes nearly every character seem capable of murder.

(left) Eric S. Prahl as Inspector Craddock and Abby McEntee as Miss Marple. Photo by Laura Peterson.

Under Aliza Feder's assured direction, the story unfolds with a steady sense of momentum, adeptly balancing the author's trademark suspense with moments of humor and character-driven warmth. Part of the production's success lies in its well-judged pacing, which allows the ensemble's strong chemistry to shine as characters exchange accusations, secrets, and surprising new information throughout the evening. Feder keeps the large ensemble moving fluidly throughout the production, ensuring that the stage never feels overcrowded despite the number of suspects constantly drifting in and out of the action. Much of that success is aided by Emil Zbella's impressive scenic design, which transforms the stage into a spacious, period-authentic English drawing room that immediately establishes the play's setting and atmosphere. The expansive set provides ample room for the cast to spread out naturally while still maintaining the intimacy necessary for a classic drawing-room mystery. Grace M. Weir's costumes further enhance the production's sense of time and place, outfitting each character in attire that feels true to the era while helping to define their personalities and social standing. Feder's direction, coupled with the scenic design and costuming, provides a strong framework for the story's many surprises and discoveries.

This was my first visit to a Saint Sebastian Players production, and I came away very impressed. The company's home at St. Bonaventure possesses an appeal all its own, with the church environment creating a setting quite different from that of a traditional theater. The cozy lobby, lined with photographs from past productions, provides a welcoming place to gather before curtain, while the performance space offers comfortable sightlines and ample room for the action to unfold. Supported by an expansive stage and an impressive set, the venue complements the production nicely and helped make the evening an enjoyable introduction to the company.

With its engaging cast, sharp direction, impressive production values, and one of Agatha Christie's most entertaining mysteries, A Murder Is Announced delivers an evening of classic theatrical suspense. The production is well-acted, well-paced, and filled with enough twists, turns, and unexpected detours to keep audiences guessing until the final reveal. Whether you're a longtime Christie devotee or simply enjoy a good whodunit, Saint Sebastian Players Theatre Company's latest offering proves to be an enjoyable and rewarding detective tale that should satisfy fans of the genre.

A Murder Is Announced runs through November 15th at St. Bonaventure with a runing time of two hours and thirty minutes, which includes a fifteen minute intermission.

For tickets and/or more show information, click here.

Highly recommended.

Ken Ludwig has adapted the beloved Agath Christie whodunit 'Murder on the Orient Express' in a rich and wonderful way. The play revolves around the murder of a wealthy businessman aboard a luxurious train. Detective Hurcule Poirot is on the case and there is no shortage of suspects aboard the Orient Express. 

I know a murder mystery by Christie is done really well when I can not remember how it ends even though I may have seen the play countless times, and that is exactly how Drury Lane's production had me - on the edge of my seat desperately trying to guess who the murderer was the entire time!

Going in, I had concerns about how the train and its movement would be represented, but all were dismissed the minute Andrew Boyce’s scenic design was revealed in a series of spectacularly luxurious and well lit projections by Anthony Churchill in train compartments that started revolving on the stage. The audience gasped and applauded for each one and the projections of snow and other movement in the windows of the train was really a fun and exciting way to recreate the movement and style of the sumptuous Orient Express for a live audience. 

This was a true ensemble cast with solid performances all around. 

Of course Larry Yando (Poirot), a mainstay of Chicago theater, was the heartbeat of this classic production and the audience hung on his every word. Yando's parting speech wherein he ponders the  philosophical correctness of his part in solving the mystery was Tony worthy, and though brief, really ended the play on a genuine note of sympathy with all of the depth and emotional honesty one would expect from such an accomplished actor. 

Janet Ulrich Brooks as Helen Hubbard was pure delight in this show as she plays a brassy American with such great physical comedy and impeccable comedic timing that every scene she appears in draws laughs and comparisons to great comedians like Lucille Ball and Phyllis Diller. 

I also thought Sean Blake as the young lover with a thick scottish brogue was very funny and got laughs out of lines that otherwise would have been throwaways to a less talented actor. 

Yes, there was a bit of a slow start in getting the action and dialogue moving but I think the actors were trying to wring every bit of humor out of each moment onstage and the whole flow of the show got going at a nice pace once the opening night jitters were quelled by the enthusiastic audience response.

I can highly recommend this exciting and suspenseful production to audiences of all ages to enjoy a real night at the theater with beautiful costumes, ingenius stage settings and the ensemble of mature and very gifted actors all giving their best performances at the lovely Drury Lane Theater.  

‘Murder on the Orient Express’ is being performed at Drury Lane Theater in Oakbrook through October 23rd. For tickets and/or more show information, click here.  

When we think of traditional whodunits, we think of a carefully plotted murder, a list of suspects, and an inquisitive detective who gradually pieces new clues together until the crime is solved. Marriott Theatre’s “Murder for Two” is just that, albeit a musical-comedy that stars just two actors taking on 13 roles. How is that done exactly? With a lot of precision, spot on timing and with a special actor named Jason Grimm who bravely takes on the roles the twelve party goers (all suspects) as well as the victim.

When a surprise birthday party goes bad and Great American Novelist Arthur Whitney is murdered, small town cop Marcus Moscowicz decides to use his sleuthing skills to find the killer since the nearest detective is an hour away. Everyone in attendance of Whitney’s birthday party are suspects including Arthur’s wife, Dahlia, who relishes in the thought of being a “murderess”, prima ballerina, Barrette Lewis, renowned psychiatrist, Dr. Griff, Whitney’s niece, Stef, who is studying criminology in college, an elderly couple that bickers every chance they get and a handful of other interesting characters. Moscowicz wants badly to make detective and the clock is ticking, giving him less than an hour to solve the crime before he must turn the case over.

Noel Carey stars as Marcus and does a bang-up job as the eager detective-wannabe, perfectly complimenting Grimm as he goes from suspect to suspect – and back again. Both Carey and Grimm take turns playing the piano whether it be for a musical number or just ambience music.

Directed by Jeff Award Winner Scott Weinstein, “Murder for Two” is a fast-moving, suspenseful ride that offers big laughs in rapid-fire succession.

“This production provides a fantastic evening of murder mystery, zany comedy, and true virtuoso performances. There are only two performers that take on 13 roles throughout the entire 90 minutes, “says Weinstein. “They not only remain on the stage for the entire show, but one or both of them are also playing the piano throughout. Whether you are a fan of comedy, mystery, or anything in between, this production will have you begging for more.”

Weinstein couldn’t be more correct. Grimm’s ability to go from personality to personality without pause is nothing less than astonishing. The script is rich with humor and holds the perfect amount of suspense. The set's impressive revolving stage keeps all the action moving - literally.

“It is 90 minutes of nothing but silly,” Grimm says. “One character accidentally incriminates himself. One character, for attention, loves the idea that she is a suspect and basks in it.”

Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair are the writers behind this exciting comedy and Carey and Grimm couldn’t be better cast (Carey has starred as Marcus in the musical’s national tour).

Highly recommended.

“Murder for Two is being performed at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire through August 26th. For tickets and/or more information visit www.MarriottTheatre.com.