About Cortland Repertory Theatre
CRT Presents the Classic “Ten Little Indians”
Cortland Repertory Theatre continues its 2007 Mainstage Season with murder, thrills and intrigue! From July 4 to July 14, CRT presents the classic mystery “Ten Little Indians” written by the grand dame of thrillers, Agatha Christie. Producing Artistic Director Kerby Thompson is thrilled to be producing this beloved mystery for the first time in CRT’s 37 year history.
“CRT has of course produced some wonderful plays over the many years of its history, but I was always surprised that this show has never been done here.” says Thompson. “To my mind, it’s really the one that started it all. So many other plays, movies, even TV shows are based on this play that it’s exhilarating to go back to this classic to see how it all began.” Thompson is welcoming Tony Capone, who starred on Broadway in “Miss Siagon”, as the show director. “Tony brings the wealth of his performance experience to his new career as a director, and the actors are loving working with someone of his talent and caliber,” Thompson says.
The play is an adaptation by Christie of her own novel, which was originally published in Britain (under a decidedly politically incorrect title) in 1939. For the 1940 United States edition the title was changed to the less inflammatory And Then There Were None. In 1943, when Christie wrote the play, she reworked some character names, plot points and the ending to make it more accessible for a stage production. In 1965 the title of the British novel was changed to Ten Little Indians, which was also the name given to several movies based on the novel. However, the “Indians” in the title do not refer to Native Americans, but rather to East Indians. The story takes place on “Indian Island” off the coast of England, where all the characters are trapped for a weekend due to a storm. When a murder is committed, the guests begin to suspect each other and tension mounts. When another, then another murder happens, the remaining guests begin to frantically act for self-preservation. In some movie and television versions, the action takes place in different locations including a mansion in the Alps, the Iranian desert and even on an African safari. Many of the films follow the play's humorous tone and Christie’s reworked ending.
CRT’s production will be very true to the 1943 play. “I feel that Christie did the hardest work for all of us with her breath-taking script.” Thompson says. “Tony and I both feel there’s no need to create a new “take” on such a classic story. Sometimes adding one’s own personal layer to a story distracts to the original brilliance of a script.” That said, CRT’s production does not shy away from accentuating the humor in the story and also strongly playing up the drama and suspense as the play goes on. The play will also be presented in its original three-act format.
In casting the show, Thompson and Capone have put together a mix of familiar faces to CRT audiences as well as new talent. Returning for their second Christie play at CRT is perennial favorite Suzan Perry as Emily Brent and Victoria Haynes as Vera Claythone. Perry has stolen scenes at CRT in such shows as “Over the River and Through the Woods”, “Deathtrap”, “Corpse!” and “The Music Man”. She will also be playing Yente the Matchmaker in CRT’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof” later this summer. Haynes portrayed the ill fated victim in last summer’s “Murder on the Nile”, but the audience will have to wait and see if she survives another Christie play! Also recognizable to CRT audiences is Robert Finley, playing General MacKenzie.
Finley appeared in last summers “It Runs in the Family” and in 1999 as Uncle Henry in “The Wizard of Oz”.
Making their CRT debut include Binghamton area actors Mitch Tiffany as Dr. Armstrong and Tim Mullens as the butler Rogers. Coming from New York City, New Jersey and Pennsylvania are visiting actors Elizabeth Marsh as Mrs. Rogers, David Lapkin as William Blore, Dale J. Young as Sir Lawrence Wargrave and Scott Lee Williams as Phillip Lombard. Rounding out the cast are two of CRT’s Performing Interns: Liam Cronin as Anthony Marston and Nicholas Palazzo as Fred Narracott.
The design elements are handled also by a mix of CRT alumni and newcomers, with scenic design by Sarah Martin, who also designed this summer’s “Almost Heaven”, and costume design by Jennifer Parr, who is in her second summer and fifth show at CRT. Lighting design is by Syracuse University grad Jason Read, sound design by Ithaca College student Michael Speach Jr. and properties are handled by season designer Buist Bickley. Stage manager is Jenny Casalenuovo who is in her third year at CRT.
“Ten Little Indians” will be presented at the Edward Jones Playhouse, CRT’s home in Dwyer Memorial Park from July 4th through July 14th. Season Benefactor McNeil and Company is joined for this production by show sponsor Pall Cortland, show underwriter The Ithaca Journal, and show partner J.R. Clancy. Parking is free, and the theatre is handicapped accessible and air conditioned. Tickets may be purchased at the CRT Box Office at 37 Franklin Street in Cortland, by calling 800-427-6160 or online at www.cortlandrep.org. For more information about any of CRT’s shows or programming, please visit www.cortlandrep.org.