And Then There Were None
By Agatha Christie
Review by Ernest Edwards
I was at opening night of the Agatha Christie play And Then There Were None at Lyric Arts. I did some research online and learned that the between the dates of 1964 - 1984, the play had the title of Ten Little Indians.
As you walk into the theater, you can’t help but notice the scenery. I loved that the scenery was not squared with the back to the stage. The angle gave it such versatility. Plus, I liked watching the mantel full of toy soldiers, and watching the the number going down as the play progressed. I was far enough back that I couldn’t read the poem over the fireplace mantel that predicted the order of the deaths. That was a nice reference for the cast to go back to as the play progressed.
This play has a strong ensemble cast.
The story takes place on a remote English island. There’s two new servants, and eight guests. The host is delayed by a day. We quickly learn from a vinyl record that these guests were all brought here for a nefarious reason. There’s no phone, no boat, no way out. One by one, the guests and staff start to perish. Their candles get snuffed out by the Grim Reaper. Who is behind this? In Agatha Christie fashion, all is revealed in the end. I was shocked by the revelation myself. Then again, it made sense. I will not give that spoiler away, you will have to go and see this play.
The story is told very well. It keeps you glued to the action. Trying to figure out what’s going on, who is next, and who is behind it all, and why?
In addition to Justin Hooper’s Scenic Design, I also really enjoyed Brody’s Byinton’s Sound Design. With this play taking place on a remote English Island, the sound of wind, rain and waves was in the background throughout the entire play. Alyssa Kraft’s Lighting Design really shown in the darkest moment of the play. One evening the lights were out on the island, and the cast had candles. That scene took place in the dark, with only so many candle to light the way. It added to the eeriness of the play.
If murder mystery’s are your thing, then get to the Main Street Stages in downtown Anoka to see the play And Then There Were None. It’s a good whodunnit. Check out www.lyricarts.org for tickets.
