[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts theatre review of The Group Rep’s Murder After Hours (The Hollow) written by Agatha Christie, directed by Jules Aaron, produced by Cynthia Payo, and running through September 8.
There’s nothing quite like an Agatha Christie play and Murder After Hours was apparently her favorite, and I can see why. It differs from her book, her adaptation gives the story more theatrics and humor, but the plot is the same. A country house. A weekend full of guests. And a murder.
The Group Rep really excels at these character-packed, plot-heavy ensemble pieces. Their fine actors seem to revel in their roles, taking the audience with them on their disparate and thrilling journeys.
The Group Rep’s Murder After Hours is a charming, funny, brilliantly staged homage to Agatha in all her sinister glory, and it was such a pleasure to sit in the audience and experience this truly wonderful show.
For those of you who might not be familiar with this fabulous play, the story is set in a remote country house where a group of family and friends are gathering for the weekend. Over the course of the next couple of days, hearts are broken, plans dashed and blood spilled. One of the guests is having an affair with another. Several others are hopelessly in love with other guests, who of course have no idea or reciprocal inclination. In the midst of all this intrigue is yet another layer of resentment, jealously and unavoidable scandal culminating in the bloody murder.
But who could have killed in these close, if exquisitely decorated quarters and in cold blood? All the while carrying on as if nothing had happened. Shocking! And absolutely gorgeous!!
This is a brilliant adaptation of a classic Agatha Christie story. Packed with truly excellent, powerful performances and hilarious British humour – a must see!! And the accents were perfection! I was so impressed!
I love the Group Rep’s theatrical selection, they are always mixing the old with the new, the classic with the burgeoning writers, and the actors with decades of experience with those who are just beginning their journey on stage – only by this persistence to create will there ever be more for us to see. More plays, more actors, more drama!!
Murder After Hours is a triumph! Truly! I was riveted and puzzled and totally surprised by the outcome. I absolutely loved it!!! Highly recommend, a must see!!!
When:
Running through September 8
Where:
The Group Rep at the Lonny Chapman Theatre
10900 Burbank Blvd. NoHo Arts District, CA 91601
Tickets:
https://thegrouprep.com/show/murder-after-hours-the-hollow
The Cast
The Group Rep cast features the talents of Patrick Anthony (Sergeant Penny), Joe Clabby (Edward Angkatell), Roslyn Cohn (Gerda Cristow), John Combs (Sir Henry Angkatell), Jason Culp (John Cristow), Megan Deford (Doris), Rebecca Del Sesto (Midge Harvey), Meghan Lewis (Henrietta Angkatell), Michael Robb (Gudgeon), Dani Thompson (Lady Lucy Angkatell), Chris Winfield (Inspector Colquhoun) and Gina Yates (Veronica Craye).
The Team
The creative team includes Cynthia Payo (Producer), Paul Reid (Assistant Director), Chris Winfield (Set Design), Shon Le Blanc (Costume Design), Frank McKown (Lighting Design), Nick Foran (Sound Design & Effects), Linda Brennan (Dialect Coach), Judi Lewin (Make-up/Hair Design), Patrick Gallagher (Prop Master), John Ledley (Stage Manager), Doug Haverty (Graphics/Marketing), Doug Engalla (Promotional Video/Photography), Kristin Stancato (Online Marketing/Webmaster), Denise Downer (Marketing), Jackie Shearn (Social Media) and Nora Feldman (Publicity).