An advertisement in the personal column of the Chipping Cleghorn Weekly Gazette catches everyone’s attention in this small town in England. A murder is announced and will take place Friday at Little Paddocks at 6:30 p.m. The author is anonymous, but the members of Little Paddocks rooming house think it may be a game and gather anxiously to enter into the intrigue.
“A Murder is Announced” is adapted from Agatha Christie’s fiftieth novel and opens at The Melon Patch Theater of Leesburg on Friday, May 1.
Villager Arlene Bonner takes on the lead role of Miss Marple. Bonner brings along a wealth of experience. She studied the arts both in high school and college with special attention to Shakespeare. A member of SAG, she has appeared in film and commercials produced in the Washington, D.C. area. In The Villages she has appeared in five Villages Theater Company plays, the last of which was “12 Angry Jurors.” This will be her third appearance at The Melon Patch.
Christie’s book “A Murder is Announced” is considered one of her best works. The stage play script by Leslie Darbon is a major undertaking that condenses the book into an eleven character theatrical workbook.
Villager Steve Rubin is Assistant Director of the show that opens on Friday, May 1 for a three-week run. The Melon Patch Theater is located in nearby Leesburg within an easy driving distance. For more precise directions, show times, and reservations visit their Web Site at www.melonpatchplayers.com.
Jack Petro reviews local theater for Villages-News.com
