Ten people are invited to spend the weekend at a mansion located on a remote island in England. Each has a secret history of a crime or misfortune involving in a death. The island is isolated by a storm. With no telephone or radio communications, the group is sealed off from the outside world.
When all 10are gathered in the grand living room of the mansion, Agatha Christie begins weaving one of her best murder mysteries in the play “And Then There Were None.” The show opened last week at the Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse in Mount Dora.
The host U. N. Own, never shows up, although newly hired (in absentia) secretary Vera (Danielle Irigoyen) welcomes the guests as they arrive. A phonograph plays a warning to all that they will be punished for their transgressions, and the first victim perishes on stage—apparently poisoned.
The order of execution is foretold by a children’s nursery rhyme posted over the mantelpiece. Each succumbs by different means until there only two left.
The set is another David Clevinger masterpiece of period décor and detail. Lighting and sound are good. Blocking ten characters on stage does not seem a problem. The touch of an English accent is charming.
A solid, experienced cast is topped by Irigoyen, Michael Norman, and Rick Breeze.
The exposition part of Act I needs more differentiation between the characterizations of Lombard (John Gracey) and Marston (John Sykes)— costuming, mannerisms, pacing. Also the reactions to the on stage murders needs to be boosted. The appearance of the victimized Rogers needs to be cleaned up so that his death is not comedic.
It is a treat to see a Christie mystery. For some unknown reason her plays have rarely been produced in The Villages or in the surrounding areas.
Put “And Then There Were None” on your list of adventures before the closing performance on Oct. 11. You may not get a chance to see another Christie for a long time. More information is available at www.icehousetheatre.com.
Jack Petro reviews local theater for www.villages-news.com