I had the pleasure of attending a matinee performance of Theatre 29’s production of “And Then There Were None,” directed by Kathryn Ferguson.
The play is based on the murder mystery novel written by Agatha Christie. It takes place in late 1930s England when ten unsuspecting strangers are invited to a remote island mansion. However, as time goes on it becomes clear that they have all been invited to atone past sins. The luxury seaside getaway then becomes a quest for survival and escape.
The costumes and set were well designed to match the era and setting. All characters donned classic 1930s garb, from a traditional maid uniform and blouses with pearls to suits affixed with pocket chains, canes, and bowties. The entire performance took place within the confines of one room on set, decorated minimally to convey the cold, removed island setting, enhanced with ominous music and a moving seascape as a backdrop. The few additions of art, including the toy soldier display crafted by Frank Harwood, allow for the mystery to unfold in the spaces between.
The play was composed of a sizable cast conveying vastly different, complex characters. Makasi Boykin was the epitome of a gracious host as the butler Rodgers, and Salome Fischer played his painfully nervous housekeeping wife. Equinox Kramer was convincing with their portrayal of the wealthy and careless Anthony Marsden, which contrasted with Kurt Schauppner’s seemingly lost, inherently foreseeing General Mackenzie. Laura Harwood was perfectly cold as the removed Emily Brent; a character that ran in sharp contrast to the concerned, matronly Dr. Edwina Armstrong, portrayed by Catherine Inscore.
Joseph Rego played William Henry Blore, whose character never quite redeems his shifty brashness. Miguel Gomez was grand and commanding as the womanizing Captain Philip Lombard, and Rebecca Osier was endearing in performance as the practical, plucky Vera Claythorne. Lastly, Judge Lawrence Wargrave was played exceptionally well by Charles Harvey, whose patronizing suspicions were felt onstage and off.
While the script is dotted with a few comedic lines, the play maintains a gradual pace, allowing for reflection of more grandiose themes of innocence and guilt, as well as the play’s own unbecoming history. The result is a well-executed, rather dark tale that provokes thought on morality — within the storyline and humanity itself.
“And Then There Were None” continues its run at Theatre 29 through June 29. Performances run on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00 p.m., and a Sunday matinee at 2:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at theatre29.org, or by calling the Theatre 29 Box Office at 760-361-4151.
