Little Lake Theatre keeps audience guessing with “Murder on the Orient Express”
Courtesy of Little Lake Theatre
Little Lake Theatre in North Strabane is especially charming this time of year-a scenic, tranquil retreat as we transition into fall.
That alone is a treat, but the real magic begins when their newest production whisks audiences away from the calm lakeside setting to a luxurious, opulent locomotive, where velvet seats, fine china, and foie gras were once de rigueur.
“Murder on the Orient Express” does just that.
The production, based on the 1934 novel by Agatha Christie, starts Thursday and concludes Sept. 14.
For fans of Christie, “Murder on the Orient Express” is a favorite. The New York Times hailed it as “one of Agatha Christie’s most ingenious stories,” stating that “the solution to the puzzle can hardly fail to satisfy.” For those unfamiliar with Christie, the play may inspire them to seek out more information about the legendary British mystery author, and perhaps crack open one or more of the many books she penned in her heyday during the golden age of detective fiction.
“Our patrons love a really good mystery and Agatha Christie doesn’t disappoint,” said Patricia Knapp, Little Lake Theatre’s managing director.
“Murder on the Orient Express” has also been adapted four times for the big and small screens, with Ingrid Bergman winning an Oscar in the best supporting actress category for her work in the 1974 film, which was directed by Sidney Lumet. The most recent adaptation was in 2017, directed by Kenneth Branagh, who also played the central character, the detective Hercule Poirot.
The loud American
South Park resident Kathy Hawk plays Helen Hubbard -a flamboyant, outspoken American with a penchant for gossip.
Hawk retired from teaching in the Baldwin-Whitehall School District just last year, but stepping away from her passion just isn’t in the cards.
“I love theater,” said Hawk, who also sings a bit in “Murder on the Orient Express.” “My character is an actress and we have an original score by sound designer Steve Schapero created specifically for this show.”
With more than 30 years of experience across the region, Hawk appreciates not needing to adopt a dialect this time.
“There’s Russian, Hungarian, French and English accents in the play,” she said.
Hawk credits Christie for keeping people engaged and guessing the entire time.
“It’s a fascinating story that is very well written,” she said.
Little Lake Theatre seats about 155 people and stages productions in the round, giving audiences an up-close-and-personal experience.
“They’ll feel as if they’re right there, on the train, with its raised platform, period chandeliers. and the audience will experience a feeling of movement thanks to Tucker Topel, who is fantastic at set lighting-shifting the light from one end of the set to the other. I’m thoroughly impressed with the quality of the production,” Hawk said.
Productions and more
In addition to productions, Little Lake Theatre offers programming like acting camp, musical theater camps, and other themed sessions.
The fun isn’t just limited to the young.
“We offer classes for seniors too,” Knapp said. “We held a one-week class in June for those 55 and over, where attendees learned about monologue, acting techniques and more,” Knapp added.
Coming up
Another production set in the 1930s is coming up in October. “Reefer Madness” is a musical satire inspired by the notorious 1936 film that hyperbolically warned against the “evils” of marijuana that became a cult classic.
And for those who have yet to make holiday plans, Knapp suggests “Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge,” which will be staged in December.
Knapp suggests visiting the Little Lake Theatre’s website to learn more about their productions and programming.
“We’re always looking for more volunteers, patrons and those who simply enjoy theater. “We are warm and welcoming and always ready to embrace new members of the community,” she said.