BWW Reviews: SPIDER's WEB - Keeping Mystery Alive at Theatre 40

Spider's Web
by Agatha Christie
directed by Bruce Gray
Theatre 40
through August 21

Lovers of mystery find magic in the works of Agatha Christie, who not only knows how to weave together detailed clues to a juicy crime but more importantly how to make it into a sophisticated, classy entertainment. Like The Mousetrap, one of the longest running plays in UK theatre history and last season's Black Coffee at Theatre 40, Spider's Web is elaborately organized and amazingly enjoyable from start to finish, especially this production at Theatre 40, which puts director Bruce Gray and Christie together once more. Its large engaging ensemble simply sparkle.

It doesn't seem fair to give away the plot, as that would spoil the enjoyment for future audiences. Instead, I will concentrate with more detail on the cast. Julie Lancaster makes Clarissa Hailsham-Brown magnetically appealing in looks, bright attitude and energetic endeavors. Clarissa's life is so calm in her new environs that she imagines what would happen if she were to find a corpse in her own home... is she more than just wildly imaginative?... Lancaster plays mystery to the hilt, like an expert game player who manages to keep one step ahead of the rest. Amy Tolsky as the gardener Miss Peake is sheer heaven on stage. Peake is rambunctious, madly eccentric and an utterly delightful character, and in Tolsky's hands she shines twofold. Ilona Kulinska as Pippa is nothing short of amazing. In her first appearance with Theatre 40 she is a consistent joy to watch. LizAnne Kiegley as Miss Elgin brings comic flair and superb timing to a smaller role, completing the female side of the group. On the male side, David Hunt Stafford is stalwart and gentlemanly as Sir Roland, as is Peter Monroe as Constable Jones. Richard Hoyt Miller brings an elusive charm to Inspector Lord. Grinnell Morris, in a fine straight-forward manner, is particularly good as Jeremy Warrender. You must also keep your eyes glued to Eric Boles as Clarissa's husband Henry and to Umberto Pecorino as the scoundrel Costello. Are they cousins as the program suggests or does the resemblance go deeper? Don't let any of them deceive you, as amongst them lies the culprit.

Jeff G. Rack has designed an elegant set, and director Gray has done a top notch job in keeping the pacing tight and crisp. For mystery fans, Spider's Web is a must see, and in the more than capable hands of the Theatre 40 ensemble, it could not be much better anywhere.