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Cast breathes life into dated script in ‘Murder on the Nile’
By Lorraine Wardle
SALEM
’Tis the season for murder in area community theaters. Following Trumbull New Theatre’s “A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody” comes “Murder on the Nile” at Salem Community Theatre.
“Murder on the Nile” is an Agatha Christie mystery that Christie adapted herself from her novel “Death on the Nile.” The plot centers on a small number of passengers aboard a cruise in Egypt. Among them are wealthy Kay Mostyn and her new husband, Simon. Taking the newlyweds by surprise is Jacqueline de Severac, Simon’s ex-fianc e. Fellow passengers include Smith, a young man traveling alone, Christina Grant and her aunt, Miss Ffoliot-ffoulkes, Dr. Bessner and clergyman Cannon Pennefather. As the title suggests, one of the passengers is murdered, and it is up to the rest to figure out whodunnit.
Though Christie was known for writing intriguing mysteries, her script was surprisingly dull, particularly the first act. There is little action — the “murder” doesn’t even take place until the second act — and far too much exposition. The play could benefit from a liberal editor to remove some pointless plot lines and background information that also would cut down on the play’s considerable two-hours-plus run time.
One has to wonder, with all the great modern plays out there, why do community theaters insist on producing such out-of-date fare? Many of the references are lost on the audience, and some characters, who would have been funny in 1937, seem more like racist caricatures. Plus, every character in the play has an accent — mostly British — which most of the cast struggles to pull off. By the end of the play, nearly every character’s accent had faded away.
Problems with the script aside, director Dick Faw-cett did a commendable job in assembling a talented cast and staging an enjoyable, if not particularly interesting, play. Though each character was rather one- dimensional, Fawcett’s cast managed to breathe life into this old script.
Melanie Williams was bright and breezy as socialite Kay Mostyn, while Dan Haueter was endearing as her new husband, Simon. Connie Baer played scorned fianc e Jackie with nice variety — from creepy stalker to heartbroken sweetheart.
Dave Wack was an anchoring force as Cannon Pennefather, the clergyman-turned-detective. Terry Shears gave an entertaining performance as Dr. Bessner, the “foreign” doctor. The supporting cast did just that — none of them really stood out as great performances, but they helped the play along.
With a capable cast to bring an old script to life, SCT’s “Murder on the Nile” provides an evening of mystery and enjoyment.
“Murder on the Nile” continues at the Salem Community Theatre on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and today and next Sunday at 2 p.m. For reservations, call 330-332-9688.