Murder on the Orient Express
- By Agatha Christie
- Adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig
Murder on the Orient Express
Director
Pioneer Theatre Company
It is a credit to Anderson’s cohesive treatment of the production that the cast and crew put together such a potent show.
As director Melissa Rain Anderson states in her director’s note, “only a live performance can truly grasp the heartbeat of the events depicted. Even if you are familiar with Murder on the Orient Express, there are so many sly nuances woven throughout that you cannot help but be swept away into this beloved caper. Time is compressed and it’s a race to the finish line to solve the case.” I have rarely seen a director hit their own target with such precision... It is a credit to Anderson’s cohesive treatment of the production that the cast and crew put together such a potent show.
PTC’s “Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express” is a comedic delight...The superb performances and skilled stagecraft elevate the production to stand alongside the company’s finest works...Director Melissa Rain Anderson establishes a delightful pace, never skipping a beat. Without ever allowing the silly to overtake the serious, it’s the only time we leave an Agatha Christie play with a wide smile.
Director Melissa Rain Anderson does a masterful job of creating a suspenseful atmosphere. The play is well-paced, and the tension builds steadily as Poirot unravels the mystery. Anderson’s direction is sharp. She allows each character to shine, never letting the mystery get lost in the constant barrage of personalities. With so many people in such a small space, it is easy to muddle and confuse, but Anderson’s style is punctuated with clarity. What makes her direction remarkable is her attention to detail. Like Poirot, she focuses on the little things to create something exquisite. As the play progresses to its end, Anderson keeps the experience engaging and engrossing.
Pioneer Theatre’s ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ a first class ride:
It’s a credit to Melissa Rain Anderson, who is making her PTC directorial debut, that the performances of all 10 actors are not at all upstaged by the lavish look of the show. It is truly an ensemble cast; there’s a particular rhythm to the play, almost as if the actors are performing a symphony. They appear to be a diverse group, with nothing in common… but of course, in Christie’s world, nothing is ever as it seems.
It’s a credit to Melissa Rain Anderson, who is making her PTC directorial debut, that the performances of all 10 actors are not at all upstaged by the lavish look of the show. It is truly an ensemble cast; there’s a particular rhythm to the play, almost as if the actors are performing a symphony. They appear to be a diverse group, with nothing in common… but of course, in Christie’s world, nothing is ever as it seems.
- Set Design by Jason Simms
- Costume Design by Phillip R. Lowe
- Lighting Design by Jaymi Lee Smith
- Sound Design by Elton Bradman
- Hair & Makeup Design by Tami Lee Thompson
- Dialect Coaching by Adrianne Moore
Cast: Bonnie Black, Amy Bodnar, Gisela Chípe, Edward Juvier, Matthew Mcgloin, Andrea Morales, Alec Ruiz, Robert Scott Smith, Anne Tolpegin, John Tufts
