THEATER: And Then There Were None

Ten little Indian boys went out to dine,
One choked his little self and then there were nine. 

Agatha Christie and theater fans everywhere know that this old nursery rhyme is the base for the plot to AND THEN THERE WERE NONE.

William Barksdale and Luke Miller

Nine strangers are marooned on an island off the Devon coast. After dinner, as they are becoming acquainted, a recorded voice is heard accusing each of them of committing a murder. As each guest denies any knowledge of any crime, one of the young men chokes on his drink and falls down… dead. The action continues with the death of each person happening as foretold in the rhyme. The murderer has to be one of the ten and just when the audience is sure who it is, that is the next person found dead.

Jack Holtz

This is the story on stage at Boal Barn Playhouse this week. I have to admit that it is one of my favorite plays and I can be very critical if the cast and crew do not do a good job with it. Not to worry. This production is extremely good. I found myself so lost in the story that I forgot that I was sitting in a theater.

Steve Raybuck and Lindey Allen

The furnishings and decorations set the mood as soon as you walk in. (If you are not familiar with Boal Barn, it is a true arena stage making it necessary to walk across the “stage” to get to your seat.) The costumes also help to set the mood and time period. Thanks to Jon Vickers-Jones for the sets, and to Amy Hobbs for the costumes.

Director, Mike Knarr, made good use of the space. Bodies were found in every place possible. He also deserves credit for the pacing of the show. The build to the climax appeared natural.

A standing ovation goes to actors Lindsey Allison, William Barksdale, Jackie Gianico, Curt Himmelberger, Jack Holtz, Brandon Lengyel, Dennis Mathisen, Debbie Meder, Luke Miller, Steve Raybuck, and Charlie Wilson. Some of this talented group have appeared with the State College Community Theatre before; some were new to me. I hope that all will be back.

If you are in the mood for a good mystery, visit Boal Barn this week, but as in any mystery, watch out for red herrings. Is it as good as I say it is? You will have to judge for yourself.

To see more pictures, visit Meadowlane Photography on Facebook.

AND THEN THERE WERE NONE plays at the State College Community Theater through June 16th.  Tickets can be purchased at http://www.scctonline.org/none.shtml