Opening just one day after what would have been Agatha Christie’s 132nd birthday, CLOTA’s new production of Christie’s “Witness for the Prosecution” provides a truly engrossing theatrical experience.
The play — which debuts Friday — is directed by local playwright and novelist Daniel Stallings, who said he failed to make the connection about the birthday when scheduling the dates. Although as a self-described “superfan,” Stallings said he always knew when he directed someone else’s play he wanted it to be by Christie.
This production does not disappoint. From the stunning, expressionistic set to the uniformly excellent acting and inventive staging “Witness for the Prosecution” is a completely suspenseful thrill-ride. That is, unless you have already seen the classic film with Marlene Dietrich. In that case the suspense may be a little less, but the play will still entertain.
The story takes on the murder trial of one Leonard Vole (Calvin Johnson in a stunning tour de force performance). Did he do it? That’s the question, of course, and the one the infamous trial is trying to answer.
Vole is accused of killing wealthy widow Emily French (seen only in a photo). The entire story takes place in his solicitor’s office and in court and the exposition comes by way of interviews and court testimony. In recent years, true crime and court cases have become a highly publicized source of entertainment. But this is where it all started, folks. No one unfurls a courtroom drama better than Dame Agatha.
What makes the performance so delightful is that the theatrical elements come up to the level of Christie’s work. The stylized red and black set works perfectly in conveying the high stakes situation for someone accused of murder in England in the 1950s. (Full disclosure: this reporter’s mother Dorothy Saitz along with Sandy Pryor did the striking paintings above and inside the stage door.)
Avoiding spoilers, the staging takes a couple of daring and successful risks which set it apart from most local productions. The courtroom scenes in which Vole is fighting for his life succeed starkly as pure theater.
Every single actor nails their part, with Beth Sparks-Jacques in particular pulling off the Dietrich role with panache. Sparks-Jacques also did the costumes, which are stunning (particularly hers). This is a fun show to watch.
Also noteworthy are Jonathan Blair and Olivia Holm as the two opposing attorneys. Watching these two tangle in the courtroom is high entertainment.
Other actors include Haley Puckett, Ed Kramer, Stallings, River Cotterell, Monica Dwyer, Nicole Johnson, Madeleine Smith, and Murolo Patchin. It’s a cliche to say that there are no small parts, only small actors. What this means is a good actor can make a small part into a memorable one. In this case it is true. Even the smallest characters are rendered with classic theatrical flair. I was particularly impressed with the decision to use English accents when appropriate. Done poorly, this can really detract. But these accents were spot on and really added to the atmosphere of the play.
This seemed to be a longish play, but it maintains suspense throughout. I honestly did not see the ending coming and was shocked. (The review is for the dress rehearsal/press preview Tuesday night.) I also found it strangely funny, which may have been due to the excellent character acting on display.
Minus a couple of dress rehearsal blurbs, the technical elements of the play came off flawlessly. I am not listing the technical team, but they all deserve kudos. I was also particularly impressed with all the graphics associated with this production. Even the program looks, well, really cool.
In another note, the play takes place during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II which literally just became history. Her photo is seen on a back wall and her recent death adds another bit of odd timing which adds to the general atmosphere.
“Witness for the Prosecution” performs September 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, and October 1 at 7:30 p.m. at CLOTA Center Stage (1425 N. Inyo St.). Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $18 general admission, $15 students and military with valid ID, and $12 for active CLOTA members. Tickets are available now at Red Rock Books and online at clota.org.
