BWW Reviews: BLACK COFFEE by Agatha Christie Plods Along at a Snail's Pace Through a Murder's Twists and Turns

BLACK COFFEE is a little known mystery by Agatha Christie which her fans will enjoy. Written in 1934, the story takes place in the library of the home of Sir Claud Amory, a physicist who has just come up with a formula for the atomic bomb. When Sir Claude is poisoned, in his coffee of course, Detective Hercule Poirot is called to solve the mystery. He does so after many wonderful twists and turns in true Christie fashion.

The main problem with the production at Theatre Palisades is the incredibly slow pace with lots of talking, a confusing story line, and little action. I suppose this is partly because of the material but I do think director Ken MacFarlane could improve the overall production by encouraging his actors to pick up their cues and keep the story moving along so that by the time the murderer is revealed, the audience will care whodunit.

The cast includes Anne Chaikowsky, Tanya Gorlow, Susan Hardie, Nick Thompson, Courtney Long, J.L. Cooper, Lorenzo Bastien, Kenneth Steven, Robert Stanley, Todd Christian, Sherry Coon, Phil Apoian and Jonathan Aleman. There are several accents among the cast, from Italian to upper crust British, Belgian, and Cockney, but many struggled to keep their accents real throughout the play.

There are a few standouts in the cast. Lorenzo Bastien is well cast as Dr. Carelli, his smoldering good looks and swagger perfectly suited to the foreigner no one trusts. Susan Hardie's aunt Caroline Amory is somewhat scatter-brained but always lovable. Her off-topic chats added much-needed humor to longer scenes. Tanya Gorlow brings lots of mystery to Lucia Amory and will have you wondering why anyone would think she was not the murderer. But her Italian accent lapses were a bit distracting. Phil Apoian comes in towards the end of the play as Inspector Japp with his formidable Cockney accent and attitude.

The two stars are Robert Stanley Drake as inspector Hercule Poirot and Todd Christian Elliott as his sidekick Captain Arthur Hastings. These two know how to bring their characters to life and make each of their moments on stage ones to watch. Their banter could be quicker but then so much information is being shared, perhaps speeding it up would make the story even harder to follow!

Technical kudos to set designer Sherman Wayne who has constructed a lovely English countryside manor library with rich colors, filled with many books and knickknacks that make the room look lived in and well cared for by the staff. Lauren Billingsley's lovely 1930's costumes add much authenticity to the Brits constant need to bring attention to themselves and their position in the community. There are many statements putting down foreigners that some may find offensive, but appropriate considering the time.

BLACK COFFEE by Agatha Christine, directed by Ken MacFarlane and co-produced by Martha Hunter, Nona Hale, continues on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm through October 12, 2014, at Theatre Palisades Pierson Playhouse located at 941 Temescal Canyon Rd., Pacific Palisades 90272. TICKETS: Adults $20, Seniors & Students $18. Box Office (310) 454-1970. Free on site parking.

Photos by Joy Daunis

The cast of BLACK COFFEE

Phil Apoian, Nick Thompson, Tanya Gorlow, Jonathan Aleman, Susan Hardie

Robert Stanley Drake, Tanya Gorlow

One of the many twists and turns!

Set designed by Sherman Wayne