Theater Review - Murder on the Orient Express

Murder on the Orient Express

Adapted by Ken Ludwig

Directed by Sanford Robbins

When: Sunday, November 10, 2pm

Where: Thompson Theatre at the Roselle Center for the Arts

(University of Delaware, Newark, DE)

It's safe to say that I am not a huge fan of Agatha Christie.  Her mysteries are too far-fetched and convoluted to really register for me.  With that in mind, I came into the University of Delaware's Resident Ensemble Players' production of Murder on the Orient Express with some trepidation.  While director Sandford Robbins didn't change my mind on Ms. Christie, there is still something very special going on at the Thompson Theatre for the next month.

Yes, the REP cast is typically compelling and the regulars and the guest actors play up the ludicrous nature of the piece (as directed by Robbins who seems to understand the over-the-top story).  But the real stars -- and the reason to get yourself over to UD to see this production -- are the production values on display that match anything you would see on Broadway.  The play opens on a bare stage, with a simple Art Deco frame surrounding it.  Mere minutes later, a giant projection screen running the entire length and height of the back of the stage reveals itself, taking us into a luxurious Istanbul restaurant thanks to a lovely design by Clint Allen.

The giant projection screen isn't everything, though.  Soon, the projection screen lifts up and an entire train cabin pushes itself to the front of the stage eliciting applause from the audience for the sumptuousness and level of quality that scenic designer Linda Buchanan has displayed.  And then to cap things off, as the play progresses, that train cabin moves stage left and right to reveal different cabins each with their own intricate design elements.  

I've already said too much as these reveals are what really make this show pop.  I'll leave this review at that, only to add that the REP continues to excel at creating exquisite production details that really do compare to what you see up in New York City.