Photo Flash: Agatha Christie's Mystery APPOINTMENT WITH DEATH Up Next at CRT!

For the fourth show in their 46th annual summer season, Cortland Repertory Theatre presents the psychological thriller "Appointment With Death" adapted by Agatha Christie from her novel. Performances will run from August 2nd - 12th with evening show times at 7:30 PM. Matinees are available on August 4th, 8th and 9th at 2:00 PM. Tickets may be purchased by calling 800-427-6160 or at the CRT Box Office at 24 Port Watson Street in Cortland. Tickets are also available for sale 24 hours a day through the CRT website at www.cortlandrep.org. CRT administration warns that this is the ONLY website that is approved to sell CRT tickets. Other third-party websites will charge up to four times the set ticket price; ticket buyers are encouraged to call or go directly to cortlandrep.org to purchase tickets.

"Appointment with Death" is a unique Christie tale that is sure to please every mystery lover. While touring Jerusalem, an international group of travelers, including a young English doctor, her French colleague, a debonair American, and the belligerent British Lady Westholme are joined by the domineering American Mrs. Boynton and her four introverted stepchildren. On a sightseeing tour to the desert, one of the travelers is murdered and one is a murderer! All are suspects, but even the best amateur sleuth will never foresee the surprise twist ending. This cleverly adapted stage version was written by Dame Agatha herself, and is perhaps best known for being so vastly different from her novel, with new characters and a surprising ending!

Directing this production is CRT's Producing Artistic Director Kerby Thompson, whose previous directing projects at CRT include last summer's Christie mystery Cards on the Table and, in previous years, the musical 1776, Unnecessary Farce, The Ladies Man, Buddy! and others.

The ensemble cast is led by Equity Guest Artist Elizabeth Bove as The Manipulative Mrs. Boynton, appearing at CRT for the first time. Her stepchildren are played by CRT's performing intern company with Grant Paylor as Lennox, Claire Sorlie as his wife Nadine, McKena Silva as Ginny and Aaron Jacobs as Raymond. In her CRT debut, Sara Fetgatter plays Dr. Sarah King, joining returnees Tom DeMichele as the American Jefferson Cope and Dale Young as the Frenchman Dr. Gerard. DeMichele was seen last summer as the director Zach in A Chorus Line. Young has appeared in three other Christie's at CRT - Spider's Web, The Hollow and Ten Little Indians, as well as Making God Laugh and Gross Indecency. Continuing her CRT summer is Jeremy Parker as Lady Westholme, joining returnee Charles Baran as Alderman Higgs. Parker has starred in this summer's productions of La Cage Aux Folles and Footloose, as well as previously in The Addams Family and Always...Patsy Cline at CRT Downtown, while Baran was seen in CRT's production of the musical 1776. Nathaniel Kent makes his CRT debut as Colonel Carberry, and two other CRT performing interns round out the cast: Caiti Marlowe in the pivotal role of Miss Pryce and Michael Dikegoros as the Dragoman, the tour guide who knows many secrets.

Stage Manager Ben Shipley leads the design and production team. Shelley Barrish returns to CRT as Scenic Designer, having designed Cards on the Table, West Side Story and The Addams Family previously at CRT. Costumes are created by long-time CRT Costume Designer Wendi R. Zea. Continuing their work this season are Lighting Designer Eric Behnke, Props Designer Terry Baker, Sound Designer Seth Asa Sengel, and Technical Director Dana White Jr.

CRT continues "Friday Night Talk Backs" at which a Q & A session with the actors, designers and crew takes place after select Friday evening performances. Tickets are also on sale for the final two productions in our summer season; "Nana's Naughty Knickers" and "Life Could Be a Dream"

Photo credit: Eric Behnke

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