Handley has assembled a stellar cast and production team that entertains and captivates

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd @ Alleyway Theatre

In an absolutely delightful production of Agatha Christie’s famous 1926 novel, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, written for the stage by Heidi Armbruster, Director Chris J. Handley has assembled a stellar cast and production team that entertains and captivates the audience from start to finish.

Hercule Poirot and his little grey cells are reluctantly on the case when wealthy aristocrat Roger Ackroyd has been murdered in his study. Only that famous mustachioed Belgian detective can root out the culprit in the sleepy village of King’s Abbott, where news flies from one person to another at warp speed. There are suspects galore, all with juicy secrets to keep hidden. Poirot will discover each and every one of them.

Bill Lovern plays Poirot with a twinkle in his eye, while at the same time, a deadly serious insistence on finding out the whole truth. After all, “Everyone has something to hide.” His odd little mannerisms seem very much in keeping with the character and do not fall into caricature, thank you very much. He also plays the penny pinching Ackroyd, as a man much admired and feared, but not much loved.

David Lundy is our narrator, Dr. James Sheppard, the country doctor who knows the private affairs of the whole village. Befriended by Poirot, he is in the catbird seat throughout the investigation. Mr. Lundy is clearly enjoying himself, revelling in his role as junior detective, being annoyed by his gossipy sister-in-law, and doing his best to stay above the fray.    

The rest of the cast play several roles, large and small, with clever costume changes (by Ann R. Emo) to delineate each one.

Sheila McCarthy is a hoot as the good doctor’s sister-in-law, Caroline, and Mrs. Cecil Ackroyd. She fusses as frets as Caroline, talking nonstop, in constant movement, and always eager to hear the next bit of news. And she is completely overwrought as the penniless drama queen, Mrs. Ackroyd. She also plays the unhappy Mrs. Ferrars. Julia Witt is Flora, Mrs. Ackroyd’s beautiful daughter, who loves to flirt. She bats her eyes like a vamp in a 1920’s potboiler, and plays the innocent to the hilt. She is hysterically funny in a small role as the elderly Miss Gannett, a croquet maven, sporting a very active derriere.  Sara Kow-Falcone is very good as the un-maid-like maid, Ursula Bourne, who maintains her dignity throughout. She is also the somewhat overplayed Detective Raglan. There is a bit of Groucho there. Less might be more in that role.

Steven Maiseke is intense as the prime suspect, Ralph Paton, ne’er do well stepson of Roger Ackroyd, and as the butler, Parker, who surreptitiously looks out for the main chance. Johnny Rowe is Major Blunt, the taciturn man of few words, and the solicitor, who uses way too many. All in all, the cast is excellent. 

The theater is set up in the round. The rectangular stage allows for fluid movement of the characters and set pieces, as scene changes are made by the actors, sometimes while dialogue is still being spoken. Very well done. 

There are charming and at times hilarious moments throughout the play, e.g., the croquet scene between Miss Gannett and Caroline, with the good doctor in the middle of it. It is very cleverly staged. How does one set up a croquet lawn on a parquet floor? The answer - wittily.

Lights and Sound by Emma Schimminger add to the suspense. Diane Almeter Jones, Properties/Set Dressing, knows a thing or two about how to make a giant zucchini, or was it a cucumber? Another mystery. The very moveable set is designed by Chyna Mayer.

This is a great production. It is really suspenseful, and really fun. I read the book about 50 years ago and was very glad I didn’t remember who done it. But, even if you do know who done it, you will still enjoy every minute of it. The people I spoke with after the show who did know who done it were still delighted to see it. 

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is at Alleyway Theatre through May 3rd. Go see it. You’ll be glad you did.