By Betty Lou Roselle
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express is based on a 1934 detective novel by Agatha Christie featuring Hercule Poirot. It is adapted by Ken Ludwig adding his comedy talents to the production. Everyone knows Agatha Christie, detective novelist and playwright whose books have sold more than 100 million copies, translated into 100 languages. An interesting fact about Dame Agatha is that in 1926 Christie’s mother died, and her husband, Colonel Archibald Christie, requested a divorce. In a move she never fully explained, Christie disappeared and, after several highly publicized days, was discovered registered in a hotel under the name of the woman her husband wished to marry.
Who murdered Samuel Ratchett?
As the play opens just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by the morning it is one passenger fewer. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer – in case he or she decides to strike again.
Director Jennifer Wolfe has assembled an extraordinary cast that Christie would certainly approve of.
Bill Haburcak plays the role of Samuel Ratchett with a relish. He tries to enlist Hercule Poirot to help him discover who has been threatening his life. We quickly observe why someone would want to kill him. John Devine is solid as the proprietor of the Orient Express trying to keep his friend Poirot from frightening the other guests.
Meghan Hanson is mysterious as Mary Debenham as is her lover Colonel Arbuthnot played by Mickey Donahue. Jacob Ryan plays the clueless Hector MacQueen with enthusiasm. Kate Scanlon shines as Countess Andrenyl. Nick Squeri is good in his double roles as Michel the Conductor and the Headwaiter.
Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” includes these three suspects.
Stephanie Donahue’s charming as Greta Ohisson, assistant to Princess Dragomiroff royally played by Susan Wefel. It was wonderful watching Princess Dragomiroff square off against Helen Hubbard played with gusto by Barbara Scanlon (nice change of character when the truth comes out).
Bill King is excellent as Hercule Poirot, never missing a clue to solving this mystery. His monologue figuring everything out in the end is epic. Voiceovers were provided by Loic Barnieu and Connor Scanlon.
Kudos to director Jennifer Wolfe, Stage Manager Peggy Oleynick and the entire production staff for their great work. There are six performances left: May 9, 10, 11; 16,17 and 18.
Colonial Playhouse is at 522 West Magnolia Ave., Aldan, PA. Call 610-622-5773 or visit www.colonialplayhouse.net.