Ken Ludwig’s 2017 stage adaptation of Agatha Christie’s much-produced (with film, radio, and television versions) sleuth-story finds its way to the Studio Theatre stage at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Produced by Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, the production is ably directed by John Michael Goodson.
Many of us have seen one version or another on the Hercule Poirot mystery, which takes place on the luxurious Orient Express train line between Istanbul and Calais. The stage version requires, among other facets, a very special set design which includes several different cars on the train, and this is neatly accomplished by the imaginative crafting of Ryan Koharchik.
Rex Wolfley as Monsieur Bouc (left) and Eric Reiberg as Hercule Poirot. (Photo provided by Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre)
Veteran actor Eric Reiberg takes the role of Poirot and does an admirable job with the famous detective, managing the part with a good command of the stage and the story arc. Working alongside Rex Wolfley as Monsieur Bouc, the head of the train company, the two men do a fine job setting up all the complications therein.
Passengers (and thus suspects) are played by a talented group of actors. From the outgoing Mrs. Helen Hubbard (offered by Sherra Lasley), to the thuggish Samuel Ratchett (a quiet-speaking Lee Russell), Ms. Christie’s cast of characters make for a rather interesting set of portrayals for a cast to tackle. Standouts include Ms. Lasley’s high-octane depiction which offers the most fun moments, Clay Mabbitt’s intense Col. Arbuthnot, Susan Hill’s royal Princess Dragomiroff, and Evangeline Bouw’s lovely Countess Andrenyl. Lauren Frank (as Mary Debenham), Luke Faser (Hector McQueen), Ronald May (conductor Michel) and Alexis Koshenina (Greta Ohlsson) all make solid contributions as pieces of the mystery puzzle.
Well-costumed by Adrienne Conces, the entire cast looks great as they unfurl the tale of vengeful murder. This is a piece-by-piece mystery story and the company does a great job keeping things orderly in their story-telling.
Rex Wolfley as Monsieur Bouc (left) and Sherra Lasley as Helen Hubbard. (Photo provided by Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre)
Bottom line: Civic’s production of Murder on the Orient Express is an enjoyable entertainment, filled with plenty of good moments that please the audience, although I feel that the show I attended had a rather slowish pace mixed with an uneven tempo. This likely was the product of it being the final show of an extra-long week, what with final rehearsals and a full weekend of shows.
Murder on the Orient Express continues at the Studio Theatre through March 25. Tickets are available by calling the box office at (317) 843-3800 or by going online to CivicTheatre.org.
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