Review: AND THEN THERE WERE NONE a Testament to Mystery, Great Performances

A staged production of one of the bestselling tales ever written is a daunting task, even more so when that story must remain a mystery. Tackling one of Agatha Christie's best works is a test of cunning, wits, and nuance that a director must match with Christie herself. Director Melissa Findley brings the twists, turns to Theatre Tallahassee's stage in a tense production of And Then There Were None, with mystery and intrigue that would have left Christie satisfied.

For those few living unaware of Christie's famed plot, And Then There Were None sets ten people with morally grey backgrounds together on an island. There, they begin to learn that their crimes have brought them together in a death trap, where an unknown murderer picks them off one by one in accordance with a dark nursery rhyme. As the living dwindle, tensions rise as they try to discern the criminal.

Findley's cast works well, and without trying to spoil which characters last throughout, it seems that each manage their own weight and import through their sequences. From the butlers, to the judge, to the captain, to the secretary, and the rest, each feel important enough to be shocking when they meet their end. If Findley hadn't balanced her cast, performances would over shadow short-lived characters in a predictable manner, but the production keeps you guessing.

There are stand out performances for various reasons, such as Duncan Hoehn's reserved stately manner, Taylor Filaroski's measured panic, Alan Kagan's enjoyable descent. Other actors play well together, such as Bob Myers and Theo Blumstein. Brenda Gibbs and Michelle Nickens bring much of the show's humor, along with Jem Herron, while Renee Matthews-Jackson and Bob Burkhardt have more of the emotional core.

All in all, Findley's cast works their respective piece of the puzzle. Infusing each player of the game with life, varied as it may be, presents a compelling case of murder mystery that is rarely found on a community stage. Those unfamiliar with Christie's plot twist will find actual shock at the show's finish, a delightful rarity for the theatre.

One of the biggest plot twists of the night comes packaged in the production's technical design. Findley, functioning as set designer, has worked a modernized but classic set into the show, where each individual piece works to fill a vital role in the show. Her team up with Dale Holcomb has created what may be the most visually stunning special effect in Tallahassee this year- unmistakable. J.C. Carr and Samantha Rose Algaze's costuming is period, but crisp, to give great life to each of the ten people. Their detailed pieces, silently prophesizing doom, are a delightful flair.

With red herrings scattered, axes and guns hidden away, there's a palpable, growing danger to Findley's And Then There Were None. She has accomplished a tense, atmospheric piece with a memorable cast, each one included, that drive the mystery to personal and vulnerable places. As the bodies begin counting down, one by bloody one, And Then There Were None reveals itself as the gripping drama it was always meant to be.

And Then There Were None runs at Theatre Tallahassee from October 27th-November 13th. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Due to loud gunfire, and mature content, the show is not suggested for young children.

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