The Murder of Roger Ackroyd - Westport Country Playhouse

Whodunit?  That’s the question in the Westport Country Playhouse straightforward production of the Agatha Christie classic, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.  Adapted for the theater by the Playhouse’s Artistic Director Mark Shanahan (who also directed), the play is a faithful rendering of the novel, considered to be one of the finest murder mysteries ever written.  On stage, the numerous characters come to life as motives and secrets are slowly revealed.  And, as with many of Christie’s works, a surprise ending awaits audience members.

The Cast of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.  Photo by T. Charles Erickson

The tale, a Hercule Poirot mystery, is a classic closed door murder mystery, narrated, for the most part, by the village’s beloved, trustworthy physician, Dr. Sheppard (John Rapson).  The good doctor is called to the estate of Roger Ackroyd (Mark Silence), a wealthy widower, to discuss murder and blackmail.  Everything is outlined in a letter Ackroyd has just received from the wealthy widow, Mrs. Ferrars, who he was set to marry, but had committed suicide the previous day.  Before the contents of the letter are unveiled, Ackroyd locks himself in his study to review the document.  Later that day he is found murdered. 

 

John Rapson, Karen Ziemba, and Anthony Cochrane in The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.  Photo by T. Charles Erickson

Suspects, of course, abound.  There is his frumpy sister-in-law Gertrude Ackroyd (played with just the right touch of dowdiness and grousing by Karen Ziemba); her beautiful daughter Flora (Shereen Ahmed) who is engaged to Ralph (Joe Delafield), the raffish stepson of the deceased widower; the take charge big game hunter Major Hector Blunt, portrayed with a boorish charm by Richard R. Henry; the cheeky butler (a deliciously impudent Tom Hewitt); the misunderstood parlor maid Ursula Bourne (Katy Yang); and the household secretary (played with a moral prissiness by Nicole Shalhoub).  Add into the mix the doctor’s gossipy sister (Erin Noel Grennan); the harried Inspector Raglan (Allen Gilmore); and Hercule Poirot, the master Belgian detective (perfectly portrayed by Anthony Cochrane); and you have all the ingredients for a first-rate murder mystery.

The Cast of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.  Photo by T. Charles Erickson

Shanahan’s adaptation can occasionally be too talkative and stagnant.  There is a lot of exposition necessary to explain plot points and introduce the multitude of suspects.  However, as the play gets into a rhythm, the pace quickens as the famed detective meticulously begins to unravel the numerous threads in the case, eventually cornering the guilty party.

Anthony Cochrane as Hercule Poirot in The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.  Photo by T. Charles Erickson

As Director, Shanahan, working within the finely adorned estate parlor by Scenic Designer Charlie Cororan’s, moves the players around like a chess master overseeing a grand match.  Utilizing Julie Duro’s pinpoint Lighting Design, he deftly segments the set into mini scenes within the larger whole.  This allows for the economy of just one set though, at the same time, providing the illusion of multiple backdrops.  While all the machinations can be a touch hard to follow, Shanahan presents a wholly satisfying ending that will please even the fussiest murder mystery fan.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, playing at the Westport Country Playhouse through August 1.  Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.