Classic ‘whodunnit’ up next at Old Lyric

The Old Lyric Repertory Company (OLRC) is set to open the fourth production of the 2004 season July 15 with Agatha Christie’s murder mystery “The Hollow.” The July 15 date marks the opening of the last show that will play in repertory through Aug. 7. The production opens at the Caine Lyric Theatre in downtown Logan (28 W. Center St.) at 8 p.m.

“The Hollow” is an Agatha Christie yarn in which all the parties involved have a motive for dispatching the victim, as well as the opportunity. A tangle of romantic liaisons and marriages, centered around a well-known physician and prominent family, begin to sort themselves out when, suddenly, a beautiful young actress appears at the doorway and the triangles continue to multiply. This unhappy game of romantic musical chairs quickly explodes into murder at the quiet country home of Sir Henry and Lucy Angatell. When Inspector Colquhoun and Sergeant Penny enter to investigate the crime, they are aided by the suspects. A group of intriguing characters makes this thriller an interesting Christie mystery in the “who done it” genre.

“The Hollow” is directed by OLRC Artistic Director Colin Johnson.

“We have taken a different approach to the design of ‘The Hollow’ that is neither traditional nor experimental,” Johnson said. “No stuffy drawing room set, but a cleaner, more theatrical look – maybe even slightly surreal in the use of forced perspective and an uncluttered atmosphere. I hope we achieved something that looks a little like Jean Cocteau’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ film.”

Johnson’s interest in the play is centered on the characters.

“I was most attracted to the play by the spectrum of characters – from the ordinary to the exotic and eccentric – and I desired a setting that would not distract from their expression and interaction. This is not a play in which the inspector gets everyone in the room in Act III for the usual grilling – the characters themselves actually sort out the intrigue.”

Johnson said the company is up for any challenge and his cast deserves nothing but praise.

“As a director, I look forward to working in the highly professional atmosphere of the company,” he said. “By this I don’t mean we do not have fun. I do mean being with people who are fully committed to what they do, who arrive punctually and are ready to work. I am always amazed at how quickly things fall together and how much we accomplish when working with actors who take responsibility for movement, blocking, gesture, and so forth. Compared to the academic year, some OLRC plays almost seem to direct themselves, which makes my job easier, because the goal of the director is to disappear, or, as some have said, to be present in everything, but to be seen nowhere. Because of the inventiveness and a greater degree of natural playfulness of experienced actors, we actually can have more fun in the summer than at other times.”

The cast of “The Hollow” is led by versatile OLRC players, who portray a number of characters throughout the season. Lee Daily plays Sir Henry Angkatell, and Kindra Steenerson takes on the role of Henrietta Angkatell. Midge Harvey is played by Chrislynn Call, Edward Agkatell is portrayed by Kent Hadfield, and Ron King plays Inspector Colquhoun. John Cristow is played by Phillip R. Lowe, with Amy Lewis as Gerda Cristow. Detective Penny is played by Richie Call, Veronica is Amber Dawn LaBau, Doris is portrayed by Emily Heap, and Gudgeon is portrayed by Jed Broberg.

“The Hollow” marks the halfway point for the 2004 OLRC season. Watch for the three other productions throughout the season. “Song of Singapore,” “Enchanted April” and “Moon Over Buffalo.” Curtain time for evening performances is 8 p.m., and 2 p.m. for matinee performances.

Dates for the remainder of the season include: “The Hollow,” July 15, 16 and 17 (matinee and evening); “Moon Over Buffalo,” July 21; “Song of Singapore,” July 22; “Enchanted April,” July 23; “The Hollow,” July 24, 27; “Moon Over Buffalo,” July 28; “The Hollow,” July 29; “Song of Singapore,” July 30; “Enchanted April,” July 31 (matinee and evening); “Song of Singapore,” Aug. 4; “The Hollow,” Aug. 5; “Moon Over Buffalo,” Aug. 6; and “Song of Singapore,” Aug. 7 (matinee and evening).

Tickets for the 2004 OLRC season are currently available, including the OLRC’s Flex-Pass option, four coupons to any evening performance of choice (subject to ticket availability). With this option patrons can see what they want, when they want, or see all five shows at great savings, OLRC officials said. 

There is also a matinee Flex-Pass option for even more savings. Special pricing also includes two-for-one pricing on Tuesday and Wednesday performances and the student rush nightly with tickets one-half off 15-minutes prior to curtain for those with student ID. Pricing and ticket information is available by calling (435) 797-0305, or visit the company’s Web site at www.usu.edu/lyric. Patrons can also purchase tickets at the Smith Spectrum ticket office on the Utah State campus.

For a 2004 OLRC brochure, call (435) 797-3046, or for general inquiries call (435) 797-1500. The season also offers special promotions, contests and exclusive deals found on the Web at www.usu.edu/lyric.

The Old Lyric Repertory Company (OLRC) is a program in the department of theatre at Utah State University. The company is a training ground for advanced theatre arts students as well as professionals. The OLRC generally produces four productions each summer in repertory, the last true rolling rep theatre company in northern Utah, Johnson said.