Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg Presents Agatha Christie's VERDICT

Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg is proud to present Verdict, Agatha Christie's last play, opens January 23, including an Opening Night Celebration and runs evenings at 8:00 PM through February 7th; matinee performances at 2:30 Pm February 1 and 8. Verdict is performed with special arrangement with Samuel French Plays, Ltd. All performances will be held at the Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg, 915 S. York Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. Order your tickets at ltmonline.net or by calling the box office at 717-766-0535.

Although the play is often described as a murder mystery, the murder happens on stage in clear view of the audience. Verdict is more of a whydunit as opposed to a whodunit - a psychological puzzle. Passion, murder and love are the deadly ingredients in the play and Ms. Christie labelled it "the best play I have written with the exception of Witness for the Prosecution." Christie scholars believe that this play hints at some of Christie's deepest worries when she was most vulnerable. They believe that Professor Hendryk's statement, "We don't change, life does something to us ... all those things form a crust over the real self ... but the real self is still there" -- is really the voice of Agatha Christie, who witnessed both World Wars and a collapsed first marriage, followed by a happy second one with a man 14 years her junior.

The leading players in the script are three refugees trying to make a new home in London - Karl Hendryck, revered and charming college professor; Anya, his fatally ill wife; and Lisa Koletzky, Anya's friend who secretly loves Karl, lives with them and runs the house. Jack Eilber is featured as Karl; Aliza Bardfield as his wife Anya; and Tammy Vasbinder as Lisa. Supporting cast members include Gary Shoemaker as student Lester Cole; Mary McGill as the "scandal mongering" char lady; Andy Isaacs as Dr. Stoner; Miranda Baldys as Helen Rollander; and Jeff McNelly as her father, William Rollander. The Detectives are Craig Stouffer as Detective Inspector Ogden and Michael Guenther as Police Sergeant Pearce.

Duane Baker has directed this play and Michael Guenther is the Stage Manager. Evening performances (8:00 PM) include January 23, 24, 29, 30 and February 6 and 7; matinee performances (2:30 PM) are February 1 and 8. For ticket information or to make reservations, please call the box office at 717-766-0535 or visit the website at www.ltmonline.net. All seats are $15.00.

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