A simple rhyme becomes the centerpiece of a cleverly crafted murder plot in [tag]Agatha Christie[/tag]?s stage adaptation of her popular 1939 novel [tag]And Then There Were None[/tag]. Continuing its 2006-2007 season, Contra Costa Civic Theatre attempts to capture the atmosphere, wit, and intricate criminal plan that have made the play as enduring and entertaining as the book on which it is based.
It all begins when ten strangers are lured to a mysterious host?s mansion on a remote island. Cut off from the outside world, the unwitting visitors find out the real reason they are assembled: to pay the ultimate price for crimes they have gotten away with?until now. One by one, the guests are violently dispatched according to the lines of the poem. No one is voted off of this island, but survival is definitely the goal.
When the show works, every interlude is a-buzz with the audience trying to figure out whodunit. Is it Vera, the lovely ing?nue (Jennifer Rice), or perhaps the teetotalist Dr. Armstrong (Keith Jefferds)? Could the smooth adventurer Captain Lombard (Mark Manske) actually be the calculating host, U.N. Owen? And what about the folks we?d least suspect like the authoritative judge Sir Lawrence Wargrave (Tom Reilly), the bungling detective William Blore (Joe Fitzgerald), or the prim spinster Miss Brent (Nan Ayers)?
Despite some ?oohs? at the ominous end of each scene, there is a lack of whodunit chatter as CCCT?s production gets underway. The identity of the murderer is made obvious by too dark an interpretation. Additionally, the pacing and distinctive characterizations required by an exposition-heavy first act aren?t achieved quickly enough by a group that takes too long to hit their stride. Fortunately, Christie?s clever twists spur the performances on and engage the audience in second-guessing their first instincts.
Director Kate Culbertson?s staging is sometimes awkward before the numbers dwindle, but once there are only five remaining houseguests, high stakes and energy smooth out the rough edges and carry the action through to a surprise ending. Culbertson?s cast is a talented bunch that only sometimes realizes their potential. Manske is a stand-out with his smarmy charm and easy wit. As his love interest, Rice has an elegant grace though their relationship is a bit difficult to believe. Ayers? perfectly priggish performance is impeded by others matching her staid energy, primarily Jefferds, Reilly and Fitgerald who make initially understated choices. They distinguish themselves late but admirably. More lively is Chris Geritz?s young Marston, but vitality should stop short of upstaging the action. Some inconsistent dialect choices and execution also distract slightly from otherwise enjoyable scenes.
The technical team?s work shines. The opulent home which plays host to the victims is an impeccable accomplishment by set designer Matt Flynn. Adam Fry?s lighting employs creative devices to produce the fitting gloomy mood during a power outage, and Marianna Ford?s period costumes serve well if a bit drably. Only Eddye Clare?s sound doesn?t always hit the mark.
The mistress of mystery?s novel is a delightful play, and though it begins slowly, CCCT?s And Then There Were None does haltingly find its devilish way. The show plays through December 9 in El Cerrito. Visit www.ccct.org or call 510-524-6654 for tickets and info.
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