Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express - Theatre Three | 4.6.24
Theatre Three Productions in Port Jefferson is currently presenting “Murder on the Orient Express” featuring an exceptionally talented cast of T3 and Long Island theater veterans. The story is based on the 1934 novel by Agatha Christie that was later adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig and most recently, the 2017 film featuring Kenneth Branagh, Johnny Depp, and Penelope Cruz, among others.
“Murder on the Orient Express” takes place in the early 1930’s where a handful of first-class passengers find themselves stranded on a train that’s been stopped by a snowstorm with a recently-murdered passenger on board. Among these passengers is the esteemed private detective Hercule Poirot, who carries out a full investigation to uncover who the killer might be. Needless to say, to share much more about the plot would take away from experiencing it yourself - but you get the gist. (I mean, it's a murder mystery. I quite literally *CANNOT* say any more!)
Poirot is played by the incomparable Jeffrey Sanzel, who is no stranger to Theatre Three. Sanzel has appeared numerous times as Ebeneezer Scrooge in the theater’s annual production of A Christmas Carol and serves as the Executive Artistic Director as well; making his appearance in this production of particular interest. Poirot’s role in the show is interesting, as he is actively performing the investigation but also serves as the show’s narrator of sorts, leading us through each scene.
I can think of nobody better than Sanzel in the role; it is an absolute delight to see him act and perform.
If anyone has ever been in a production that Sanzel directed you know that he likes to dive deep, giving you all the tools you would need to embody the character and watching him in this production was a masterclass in ‘being the character’ - for lack of a better phrase. He quite literally *became* Hercule Poirot and it was wonderful to witness.
The brilliance of this production and cast did not stop there, however. I was also wildly impressed with Linda May and Michael Limone, who played Helen Hubbard and Monsieur Bouc respectively.
May is always a consistent force - flawless with comic timing with an unmatched stage presence. She is truly the whole package!
It doesn’t matter what role she is playing, she always fully understands the assignment and executes to precision. This was my first experience with Limone and not only am I excited to eventually see more - I am looking forward to returning and seeing him in this role again. He provided another batch of comedy and the chemistry between him and Sanzel was delightful to watch.
“Murder on the Orient Express” is otherwise an ensemble-led show and thankfully the company was rounded out by other well-known talents, with additional outstanding performances from Sheila Sheffield, David DiMarzo, and Steven Uihlein. On the technical/creative side of things, director Christine Boehm absolutely must be mentioned.
Boehm did not just “direct a show with talented people” - she clearly gave everyone an intention and purpose for what they were doing and it added to what made it so easy to be fully engrossed in this show.
I found myself speaking back to the cast and giving my commentary on what I believed was going on and that behavior is usually (generally) saved for home, alone. Her direction and the cast’s execution draws you in completely. The set design and costumes lend a helping hand in this experience as well, and the perfect creative team was in place. Resident Scenic Director Randall Parsons designed the set, which worked perfectly for the space and show. Parsons’ set design was complemented by the projections designed by Brian Staton. I’m usually hesitant when I see that projections are being used in Long Island theater because more often than not, it isn’t done well or is in place of an actual set - which I am very rarely a fan of - but not this time! Staton’s projections worked hand in hand with Parsons’ design and helped set the snowy scene where this takes place beautifully. Those points coupled with costumes by Ronald Green III created an environment that instantly took you out of Port Jefferson and right into the Orient Express!
This was - by far - an absolute home run for Theatre Three and has completely changed my opinion on seeing plays altogether.
For years I avoided them with the idea that if there aren’t musical numbers in between scenes, it would never be able to keep my interest. I couldn’t have been more wrong! Not only that - it also made me think of the countless other plays this theater has produced that I skipped! Never again. I don’t know why I thought this, though! I have always enjoyed a good murder mystery and have no problem settling into a miniseries with 6-8 episodes and there’s no music in that! Why wouldn’t I like a play?! I’m pleased to say that train of thought ends with this production.
(Train pun not intended, but certainly enjoyed.)
Tickets for Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express at Theatre Three can be purchased in person, by calling the box office, or visiting their website.
Cast:
(IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE)
HERCULE POIROT - JEFFREY SANZEL
HEAD WATIER - RICHARD O’SULLIVAN
COLONEL ARBUTHNOT - DAVID DIMARZO
MARY DEBENHAM - CASSIDY ROSE O’BRIEN
HELEN HUBBARD - LINDA MAY
HECTOR MACQUEEN - STEVEN UIHLEIN
MONSIEUR BOUC - MICHAEL LIMONE
MICHEL - ZACH JOHNSON
PRINCESS DRAGOMIROFF - SHEILA SHEFFIELD
GRETA OHLSSON - SAMANTHA FIERRO
COUNTESS ANDRENYI - MICHELLE LABOZZETTA
SAMUEL RATCHETT - ANGELO DIBIASE
Creative Team:
DIRECTOR - CHRISTINE BOEHM
SCENIC DESIGN - RANDALL PARSONS
COSTUME & WIG DESIGN - RONALD GREEN III
LIGHTING DESIGN - STACEY BOGGS
PROJECTION DESIGN - BRIAN STATON
SOUND DESIGN - TIM HAGGERTY
PROPERTIES - ALLY HUMANITZKI
TECHNICAL DIRECTION - STEVE BARILE, JR.
PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER - MELISSA TROXLER
