By Dean Poling
VALDOSTA — Theatre Guild Valdosta’s production of Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” assembles an odd array of characters smartly played by this cast of local performers.
Byron Vance and Brenda Brunston play a befuddled married couple of a butler and maid hired to keep a house prior to a party. Ryan Stillings has a brief turn as the party guests’ deliverer to the remote location. Nikia Forbes plays the competent secretary. Terrell Hart, the adventurer who laughs at danger. Butch Fussell plays the chipper Anthony Marston. Ted Bilak plays the hard-drinking cop Detective Blore. Sonny Shroyer garnered the most spontaneous audience reaction for his performance as the addled General MacKenzie. Mike Glasscock plays the nervous physician Dr. Armstrong. Kathryn Smith is a find as the haughty and morally superior Miss Emily Brent. Edward Van Peenen is level-headed as the sober-minded judge.
Once gathered, the characters find themselves accused of causing the deaths of others in the past. They have been gathered, according to a mysterious announcement, to face judgment for their sins. And, one by one, these characters die.
While some of the performers’ English accents come and go during the performance, director Mary Helen Watson has done a fine job casting this show. She allows her cast to have fun, even during slow periods in the plot, and the audience has fun, in turn, watching these characters and their quirks unravel.
Audiences can also have fun trying to guess the identity of the mysterious killer. Audiences already familiar with this story should have fun watching the characters ... just don’t spoil the ending for others.
This review is based on Wednesday night’s full dress rehearsal performance.
Theatre Guild Valdosta’s “And Then There Were None” plays 7:30 p.m., Oct. 22-24, The Dosta Playhouse, 122 N. Ashley St. Ticket: $12. Reservations, more information: Call 24-STAGE; or visit www.theatreguildvaldosta.com.
