By Abigail Brown

With the Halloween season just on the horizon, Highview Arts Center is fervently at work bringing their production of Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” to the stage. 

“And Then There Were None” tells the story of eight disparate guests invited to an isolated mansion on an island by a mysterious host. Each guest has a secret to hide, and each guest will have to answer for it. When things take a turn for the deadly, they begin to suspect the killer is one of them.

At the helm of the production is director Joy Beth Dewitt-Riley, a veteran of Highview Arts Center. Dewitt-Riley cites “And Then There Were None” as a long time favorite of hers after seeing the 1945 film as a child. Though the story is quite dated, originally written in 1939, Dewitt-Riley believes it to be one relevant to audiences today.

She even found opportunities to shift some of the show’s aspects that are a product of their time. “There were some really unique chances to update the emotional way we respond to things,” said Dewitt-Riley, referring to a scene from the original text that involves a male character slapping a distressed female character to calm her down. 

When it comes to bringing the production to life, Dewitt-Riley gives credit to her cast for making things easier. 

“Everyone has been so amazing to work with and we’ve had wonderful ideas; we’ve all worked together to get all the costumes and sets together,” she said. 

Cast steps out of their comfort zone

Among the cast is actress Hannah Blackmore playing the role of William Blore, a former detective turned private inquiry agent. Blackmore, who usually plays female or heavily comedic male roles, finds the role of William Blore to be complicated, but fun.

“I like playing an angry character, Blackmore said. “I think it’s usually the mask that covers some sort of pain and that is exciting to unpack and attempt to portray.”

Rosemary Sims spoke about the challenges she faces when it comes to playing the prudish and pious Emily Brent, a role quite different from those she’s played previously.

“This is the first time I’ve not been cast as a love interest or in a flirty temptress type role,” said Sims. “It’s also the first time I’ve gotten to be an all-out villain. I kinda love it, but being mean is hard.”

Sims added that her real-life background with the church served as inspiration for her portrayal of Emily Brent. “There’s a very particular kind of sour-faced church lady I’ve been trying to think about,” she said.

Rounding out the ensemble cast is actor Ron Blair in the role of Justice Lawrence Wargrave, a retired criminal judge.

“I’ve had to consider several different angles in which to view the character as he sort of helps guide the other characters in solving this crime, utilizing his experience as a high court judge,” said Blair. “In a show like this, it’s important to take great care in what is revealed and how.”

A bonus mystery

Blair also praised Dewitt-Riley for her guidance through the process of bringing the show to life.

“The greatest reward, as always, is coming to know a new group of people, teammates really, and bonding with them,” said Blair. “That’s probably tied with getting to work with Joy Beth as a director; she has done a stellar job in what can be a demanding space.”

In addition to the masterful direction and talented cast, audiences can expect a bonus mystery. To honor the two different endings to Agatha Christie’s tale, the bleak original ending to her 1939 novel and the happier ending written for the 1943 stage play, each night the ending will be determined by a coin flip. It’s a move that will certainly keep both the cast and audience on the edge of their seat.

“And Then There Were None” will be performed Friday, Sept. 4 through Sunday, Sept. 13 at the Highview Arts Center.

Feature Photo by Abigail Brown