Skip to main content Skip to footer site map
Review: MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

Review: MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

The production runs through February 18th.

All aboard for a night of Agatha Christie-inspired mystery and murder in Dutch Apple's current production of Murder on the Orient Express. This straight play written by Central Pennsylvania's own Ken Ludwig is fun and fast-paced.

The classic story of a snow-bound train, a strange killing, and a cast of even stranger passengers makes for a very enjoyable couple of hours of live entertainment.

At my performance, Craig Smith stepped in as master detective, Hercule Poirot. While there were some expected challenges associated with an understudy filling into a dialogue-heavy lead part, Smith did an effective job of keeping the story moving and exploring the idiosyncrasies of this famous sleuth.

Jordan Ross Weinhold covered the parts usually assigned to Smith including the nasty Samuel Ratchett and the more sympathetic Colonel Arbuthnot. I was confused as to why Weinhold was playing two distinct major roles. I am unsure if the casting decision lies with the playwright or the producers, but it was a weird distraction. As far as I could tell, the choice had nothing to do with the story's plot nor the show's need to utilize an understudy.

Danielle Poznanovic was a stand-out as the obnoxious Helen Hubbard. Poznanovic had great energy and delivered some very funny lines. Her character was more complex than initially expected, and she reveals herself brilliantly along the way.

Scenic designer, Dominic Lau does a good job of suggesting the beauty and grandeur of the elegant setting with a trio of double-sided platformed sleeping/dining cars. Costume designer, John P. White dresses the cast in clothes that are sharp and appealing to the eye.

The technical highlights of the show were the lighting and video effects designed by Chris McCleary. The heavy falling snow and frigid projected background scenery very effectively enhanced the setting's sense of isolation and despair. Bright spotlight and red gels during a number of key moments added genuine chills to some of the show's more intense moments.

In conclusion, this was an engaging show and well-appreciated by the robust audience. I encourage Dutch Apple to continue to step outside the confines of musical comedies from time to time to bring us interesting plays like this.



Bucks Live! Presents Bucks Blues Explosion With Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, April 7 Photo
The ZLOCK Performing Arts Center and the Bucks County Blues Society presents on Friday, April 7th a unique evening of blues music with the national, the award-winning harmonica master, songwriter and vocalist Rick Estrin & The Nightcats.  Estrin's opening music act is local Mikey Junior and his band for the much-anticipated, annual blues concert starting at 7:30 p.m.

Jared Reed Elected New Executive Director Of The Media Theatre Photo
The cast of Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical will kick it all off with a brief musical performance, and you can even buy tickets to the show at the party!  

ON THE TOWN to be Presented by Lebanon Valley Colleges Music Theatre Program in April Photo
Students of Lebanon Valley College's Music Theatre Program present their inaugural class production with ON THE TOWN April 13, 14, and 15 at 7 p.m. and April 16 at 2 p.m.

Revolutionary Speaker Series Presentation Comes to Brandywine Battlefield Park Photo
The Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates will present their next speaker in the Revolutionary Speaker Series at Brandywine Battlefield Park on Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. 


From This Author - Rich Mehrenberg

Rich Mehrenberg was introduced to the magic of theater when he played "The Boy" in his first grade class production of "The Giving Tree". It has been a long term love affair eve... (read more about this author)


Review: WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? at Fulton TheatreReview: WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? at Fulton Theatre
March 25, 2023

Kim Carson is electrifying as his wife, Martha.  Carson embeds a sexual confidence in her character which is always on display.  Whether viciously mocking her husband or intensely seducing her new boy toy, Carson pulls out all the stops.

Review: HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE at EPACReview: HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE at EPAC
March 13, 2023

This show has a lot to consider and a lot to discuss for the appropriate theater patron. I went into EPAC's production of How I Learned to Drive not knowing what to expect. I have never heard of the show. EPAC's synopsis was not very helpful. It referenced 'a woman's coming of age through the 60's and 70's' and said that the story 'finds compassion and humor in the places you'd least expect'. I was prepared for something light and fluffy along the lines of the TV show, The Wonder Years. I was wrong, very wrong.

Review: THE WIZ at Fulton TheatreReview: THE WIZ at Fulton Theatre
March 4, 2023

Fulton is to be commended for investing in more diverse choices in entertainment.  The Wiz is a great example of why this commitment is so important for our community and beyond.

Review: SISTER ACT at Dutch Apple Dinner TheatreReview: SISTER ACT at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
February 26, 2023

This production really had some great character roles including Shannon Connolly's eternally optimistic, Sister Mary Patrick, Jim Johnson’s enthusiastic Monsignor, and Joshua James Crawford’s TJ who was one part JJ Evans, one part George Jefferson, one part Rerun, and 100% hilarious.

Review: DOUBT at Fulton TheatreReview: DOUBT at Fulton Theatre
February 18, 2023

What did our critic think of DOUBT at Fulton Theatre?