Hercule Poirot (world renowned detective) is just coming off a case, and eager to relax on a trip aboard the legendary Orient Express. As bad luck would have it, an obnoxious, gangster (Samuel Ratchett) tries to force his help. Naturally, Poirot says: “No.” Much to his alarm, he now has no choice, as the gangster is found dead the next morning. I enjoy Agatha Christie, because there’s always lots of shrieking. Poirot sets to work gathering evidence, inspecting the crime scene, processing and considering every angle. One by one each passenger is brought to the dining car, to be interviewed. There are heirs and aristocracy, blue collar and white collar, the frantic and the nonchalant.
If you spend very time with Agatha Christie’s work, you begin to notice particular patterns. In addition to her murder mystery novels, she has written a number of plays. She often makes use of characters who are impostors. (Someone in this room is a murderer.) She created the trope of multiple suspects subjected to a confined location: a hotel, an island, a mansion. For me the most intriguing aspect is her habit of tying stories to actual, notorious events. (a roman a’ clef) In the case of Murder on the Orient Express, it’s the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby. And that’s all I’ll say.
Rachael Lindley’s direction of Murder on the Orient Express is impressive. I’m certain ensemble casts require some navigation, not to mention the elaborate, detailed set (Thank you, Greg Smith!) various dialects, and a few quirky narrative devices. The performers are focused and enthusiastic, making the most of their opportunities to shine. The production, in effect captures the boisterous feeling of adventure and intrigue, that Christie so skillfully depicts. As I’m sure most of you know, at least two fine cinematic versions already exist, but Richardson Theatre Centre’s production proves the point that live, onstage theatre, is a categorically more canny and vivid experience.
Richardson Theatre Centre’s presents Murder on the Orient Express, playing February 2nd-18th, 2024. 518 West Arapaho Road, Suite 113, Richardson, TX 75080. 972-699-1130