Agatha Christie was an English woman noted for her numerous, highly popular, detective novels – 66 of them. What is not generally known is that due to a learning disability, Christie used a Dictaphone and typing assistant because she could not easily write by hand.
This tantalizing whodunit adapted for the stage and expertly directed by Mark Shanahan, will keep you spellbound as you try to figure out who had the most reasons to murder Mr. Ackroyd. This is because each character of the play’s 12-member ensemble, had a reason to do so.
The excellent cast includes Shereen Ahmed as Flora Ackroyd, Anthony Cochrane as Hercule Poirot, Joe Delafield as Ralph Paton, Allen Gilmore as Inspector Raglan, Erin Noel Grennan as Caroline Sheppard, Richard Ruiz Henry as Major Hector Blunt, Tom Hewitt as Parker, John Rapson as Dr. James Shepard, Nicole Shalhoub as Helen Russel, Mark Silence as Roger Ackroyd, Katy Tang as Ursula Bourne, and Karen Ziemba as Gertrude Ackroyd.
The authentic-looking interior of the Ackroyd mansion complete with sparkling, crystal chandeliers is designed by Charlie Cochrane. Seth Andrew Bridges is the expert, fight choreographer.
The opening night audience was buzzing with murderer theories during the intermission, and I’m guessing that most were surprised at the end. I suggest that you see this entertaining play for yourself as I’m not going to reveal it.
