“And Then There Were None” is a welcome antidote to the chaos of our modern lives -- a straight forward Agatha Christie mystery that does not burden us with obscure philosophical opinions about the human condition. Yet it still holds an audience rapt as each character reveals himself, quibbles with the others, and then is murdered.
For the next two weeks, Pennsylvania Playhouse invites you to share the fun of guessing who’s causing the mayhem among a group of hapless guests stranded at an obscure inn on an island off the coast of Devon. As they disappear one by one, so do the little figurines on the mantel; hence, the play’s British title and the children’s rhyme, “Ten Little Indians.”
The play opens with a gravelly disembodied voice telling us to hush our cell phones and to warn us of the occasional gunshot; he returns later to remind the startled hotel guests of the deadly secrets they are hiding.
The ensemble cast chosen by director Marian Barshinger works very well through the explanation of his or her own vulnerabilities, then their excuses. Arguments ensue, tempers flare, huffs puff. In short, these folks do not like each other much.
I’m not ruining the story: All this happens early in the first act. The real question is who is killing off these hapless vacationers as they slowly realize an invisible evil force is determined to punish them for their lethal transgressions. Naturally, they blame each other.
Jillian McLuhan handles the challenging lead role of Vera very well, portraying her as an unsuspecting blonde beauty who was reporting for her job as secretary to the mysterious host. Jenelle Castrignano is lots of fun as a sour spinster who coldly concentrates on her knitting while others leave the room and don’t return. John Corl is particularly convincing as Sir Wargrave, the only voice of reason amidst the ensuing chaos.
Agatha Christie was British, of course, so bits and pieces of Brit humor somehow emerge, mainly through the memorable performances of Blore, an incognito detective (Shaun Hayes), and the self-important Lombard (Ryan MacNamara) – especially when they interact. Gary Boyer and Marcy Repp give convincing comic performances as the inn’s long-suffering major-domo and his hyper-nervous wife.
The cast is rounded out by Brian Wendt as the obsequious hotel gofer, Drake Nester as the careless driver Marston, Dale Beltzner as a strangely withdrawn Gen. Mackenzie, and Russ Morris as a Dr. Armstrong perfectly on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
Although some roles demand high intensity and others more intimate delivery, the unwelcome volume difference between characters was an occasional distraction. Otherwise the ensemble worked together very well in drawing the opening night audience into the hotel living room to share the drama. And, thus, the Playhouse has produced an enjoyable evening of mystery and family fun.