New School Stages 'Action Packed' Adaptation Of Agatha Christie Novel

By Macee Schmidt
Centreville High School

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — As the evening bells sang their song, and the hands on the clock struck 6:30, a quick jolt of the lights and two bangs of a pistol would set the stage for The New School of Northern Virginia's production of "A Murder Is Announced."

Based on a novel by Agatha Christie, the plot follows Letitia "Letty" Blacklock, who discovers through the local newspaper that a murder is to occur in her very home on Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m. Paranoid that one of her friends or family members will become the victim, she eventually learns that the murder may have been plotted against her, and that the murderer may even be lurking among her. Through sequences of sleuthing and secrecy, the identity of the killer slowly becomes more and more prominent, revealing that the people she trusts may not be who they say they are.

The novel was first published in the U.K. in June of 1950 by the Collins Crime Club, and then in the U.S. by Dodd Mead and Company that same month. The book became Christie's 15th publication, deeming it a well-received piece of literature. Since then, there have been numerous adaptations and recreations of the story through theater, film, and even radio. The story has been adapted internationally too, with television adaptations throughout Korea, Japan and France.

The audacious and soft-spirited Letitia Blacklock was tastefully portrayed by Courtney Weldon, whose performance dominated the stage. From the very beginning, Weldon's enticing facial expressions and physicality were executed with fluidity, adding an ominous undertone to the show. Along with that, Weldon's ability to elicit emotion through vocal progression made the show all the more perilous. She used a soft-spoken, almost motherly-like tone at the beginning of the show, but soon transitioned into a threatening and haunting timbre, demonstrating her range as an actress.

The spotlight also shined for another performer, whose interpretation of Miss Marple enlivened the audience. Arminé Heard's curious and inquisitive persona resonated with the crowd, making the story even more intriguing than before. Heard's consistency with every line of dialogue remained throughout the performance, showcasing her dedication to the role and to making the story crystal clear for others. Alongside Heard, Drew Reynolds had theatre-goers on the edge of their seats as Inspector Craddock. The quick-witted sass and side-splitting humor made Reynolds' performance stand out. Additionally, the dramatic tone that Reynolds brought to the character was unmatched, demonstrating his undeniable charm and admirability.

The performers weren't the only stars of the show, however. Behind the scenes, the hair and makeup team (Willow Groehn, Marina Figueroa) showcased their skills by taking inspiration from 1950's actresses such as Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Elizabeth Taylor to create time-period accurate makeup looks. While doing this, they also used various makeup techniques such as wrinkles, slicked back hair, and grey streaks to make the characters look their age. Similarly, the costume department (Matilda "Moss" O'Sullivan) flourished their talents by dying trench coats and stringing beads to make a pearl necklace. They also used ‘50s and ‘60s style costumes to make the characters in the show accurate to the time period, which makes it all the more enjoyable to watch.

In a whirlwind of suspense, mystery, gasps, and giggles, The New School of Northern Virginia's action-packed production of "A Murder Is Announced" expertly exceeds expectations and tests the limits of show business, making it a performance audiences will never forget.