Murder on the Orient Express – Courtesy of Beef & Boards. Used with permission. –
Murder on the Orient Express – Courtesy of Beef & Boards. Used with permission. –
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre kicks off its 2025 season with Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” the dramatic version, with the same title, which I saw Saturday, January 10. Based on Christie’s 1934 novel, the play is an adaptation written by Ken Ludwig, which premiered on Broadway in 2017. It was also made into a film of the same title which was released in 1974.
The play follows an adventure of famous fictional detective, Hercule Poirot who books a first-class ticket on the luxurious Orient Express train, which is operated by his friend, Monsieur Bouc. Also on board is a diverse group of passengers, one of whom murders a fellow member of the group during the train journey from Istanbul to Calais. It is left up to the ingenious Poirot to solve the case with its intricate motives and clues with plenty of red herrings thrown in to make things interesting.
Adroitly directed by Marc Robin, the cast consists of exemplary character actors, all of whom turn in fine performances that are wholly convincing and highly entertaining. Standouts were Andrew Kindig as Poirot, Devan Mathius as Greta Ohlsson, Lanene Charles as Helen Hubbard, John Mchatton as Samuel Ratchett, Eddy Currey as Monsieur Bouch, Suzanne Stark as Princess Dragomiroff sad Betsy Blaise as Countess Adrenyi.
Murder on the Orient Express – Courtesy of Beef & Boards. Used with permission. –
Regarding the show’s design elements — as expected from any Beef & Board’s production, the costumes, lighting, sound and production design were all first rate, but William Mahoney’s sets deserve the highest praise for their impressive creativity, artistry and utility.
Though not a bonafide food critic, I consider myself an above average cook and a foodie. Consequently, I wish to state unequivocally that Chef Larry Stoops’s dinner buffet with its flavorful selections were, appetizing and delectable, indeed. It’s an added attraction that makes Beef & Boards shows worth the price of admission alone and an activity the entire family will enjoy
For tickets and information about “Murder on the Orient Express” visit beefandboards.com
