Salem Community Theatre opens season with Christie’s ‘A Murder is Announced’

September 20, 2015 at 12:00a.m.

By Eric McCrea

Salem

Beginning its new season with a villainous romp, Salem Community Theatre brought Agatha Christie’s knit-one-purl-two mainstay to life with “A Murder is Announced.”

The mystery writer extraordinaire, known for her abundance of details, made use of several recurring protagonist case-solvers. In this instance, we are treated to Ruth Newman embodying the character of Miss Marple. The live version of Christie’s supposed 50th yarn is adapted quite comically, adding a fair amount of physical humor.

We begin by meeting Letitia Blacklock (Brenda Zyvith) owner of a small town boarding house. As the hodge-podge of residents prepares a birthday party for housemate Dora Bunner (Denise Sculli) an advertisement is noticed in the local gazette. It states that a murder will take place in the communal manor at precisely 6:30 p.m.

Several townspeople arrive out of curiosity, and sure enough, someone meets their demise. Luckily, Miss Marple is able to help the jurisdictional Inspector Craddock, played by Terry Shears. As the residents and villagers are questioned, a possible motive is revealed. It becomes clear that someone is using a false identity, but who?

Mystery plays have a tendency to be either bland or farcical. Director Christopher Fidram has managed to find a remarkable balance, keeping the show interesting with great stage direction, while remaining respectful of the very English style of Christie.

A fantastic cast fit all the pieces together, with nary a hint of a weak link.

Shannon Shopisky is a standout as the housekeeper, Mitzi, or so she claims to be. Her stern demeanor is like a brick wall, never fading for an instant. She adds a ton of laughs to the show, without being overly campy. She’s an obvious choice to be the murderer, which is why you never feel like she’s actually the one.

In the role of Julia Simmons, Micaela Kreuzwieser is inauspiciously charming. Her look is very fitting to the era, and her costumes make the look complete. Kruezwiser is able to evade suspicion gracefully, without making you feel she can be fully trusted.

Sculli adds a Mrs. Roper-esque flare to the production. She’s impossible to ignore; ostentatious but vulnerable. Sculli is deliberate, like a finely tuned harp.

Shears never fails to add value to a show. His style is well-developed and unique. Complementing this is Newman’s maternal quality that is able to solidify the tone. The pair make a great crime-fighting team.

Zyvith comes off as slightly one-dimensional, flying under the radar much of the time. In the end, however, she reveals much about her character’s layers, while unmasking the depth of her natural talent as well.

Rounding out the cast with on-par skill are Carl Brockway as the sneaky Patrick Simmons, Barbara Evans as the possibly poisoning Mrs. Swettenham, Joanna Andrei as the scheming Phillipa Haymes and Jimmy Rosan as the mischievous milquetoast, Edmund Swettenham.

Great music choices added an air of guile to this theatrical event, making it feel cinematic. Any diehard Christie fan should be sure to catch a performance.

“A Murder is Announced” runs today and next Sunday at 2 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For reservations, call 330-332-9688.