Obscure Christie mystery kills at Vanguard

Tom Titus

The old-fashioned whodunit is among the most popular of theatrical

genres. But when most people know the outcome of plays like “The

Mousetrap” or “Ten Little Indians,” some of the fun is taken out of

viewing these revivals.

With “A Murder is Announced,” Vanguard University has unearthed a

Christie mystery that hasn’t been around the block several times.

I was able to guess the guilty party by employing a method of

deduction I’ve long practiced: The murderer generally is the most

talented actor (or actress) on stage, since he or she always gets the

“big scene” at the end. Having said that, to identify the most

proficient performer in Vanguard’s show would be a crime in itself,

but this may assist you if you catch one of the show’s closing

performances this weekend.

Director Susan K. Berkompas has encouraged her ensemble to edge

their characterizations up a notch to emphasize their Englishness and

individuality. She also provides a lights-up flashback in the final

scene, detailing exactly how the announced murder transpired during

the previously dark segment.

In “A Murder is Announced,” residents of a home in an English

village read of the impending death in a newspaper’s classified ad.

Naturally, others show up to see if the crime will occur at 6:30

p.m., as advertised. And, of course, it does.

Christie’s ever-vigilant Miss Marple (Chrissy Tiholiz) is among

the guests, though the murder is investigated by a local police

inspector (Rick Arbuckle) until she traps the culprit in the

climactic scene.

The intended victim is a lady who stands to inherit a substantial

sum, and the usual suspects are those who’ll be richer if she’s out

of the picture. Darlene Watson delivers a strong, sensitive

performance in the former role, using her striking eyes for character

enhancement.

Two suspects are her niece (Deborah Chesterman) and nephew (Tony

Console), who aren’t quite what they seem, this being Christie.

Chesterman revels in the showier role, while Console tosses in

pointed quips from the background.

Another resident, a slightly addled maiden lady, is goofily played

by Kristie Clark, who swipes most of her scenes with her giddiness.

Those left up for grabs are grabbed quite forcefully by Kerry Cass as

the excitable.

A local social leader (Jenna Lloyd) and her son (Jesse Aruilera)

invite themselves to the murder, but neither make a discernible

impact.

More intriguing is Mary Hering as a and mysterious visitor who

naturally attracts suspicion. Chris Rushing and Justin Merando

complete the Vanguard cast.

Many of the university’s heavy hitters in the acting department

are working backstage for this production, chief among them Amy

Maier, who designed the richly textured setting. Mark Parker, the

father in the previous production of “Life With Father” is running

props, assisted by “Brigadoon” leading man Michael Mulligan, while

Jeff Fazakerley is assisting stage manager Julie Renfro.

Chances are you’ve never witnessed “A Murder is Announced,” which

will heighten your enjoyment considerably.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His reviews

appear Fridays.