“Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd’
Westport Country Playhouse
Westport Country Playhouse is currently presenting “Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd,” a riveting and suspenseful murder mystery that is sure to satisfy. Mark Shanahan is both playwright and director and he triumphs on both fronts. With a large, twelve member company, this show has been superbly cast, with every performer being very distinctive.
This is important because there are so many twists and turns in this play that it could almost become confusing. Shanahan has adapted one of Agatha Christie’s novels and transformed it into crackling good theater. “Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” at Westport Country Playhouse is a must for fans of the macabre and it should also be noted that there is rich humor in the show, which makes this play even more delectable.
The excellent and crisp John Rapson is essentially the main character, portraying the part of Dr. James Sheppard, and he also provides narration where he talks directly to the audience. Rapson proves to be very good company. The curtain is up when one enters the theater and Charlie Corcoran’s glorious set of the inside of a luxurious home is breathtaking. What’s more, every member of the cast plays a major part in making the show a first class, witty evening of theater.
Erin Noel Grennan is humorous and shines as Dr. Sheppard’s sister Caroline, who loves the latest gossip and is the ultimate busybody. As it happens, the detective Hercule Poirot (the perfect Anthony Cochrane) lives next door and is enjoying the pleasures of retirement. However, when a murder is committed and numerous clues and questions pop up, Poirot takes on the case. The play is a great mixture of sinister doings, unexpected alliances, and it is wonderfully intricate in plot and the introduction of each new clue.
A special mention should be made of Karen Ziemba, who plays Gertrude Ackroyd and threatens to steal every scene she is in. Giving a gorgeous performance and also beautifully costumed (courtesy of Jeni Schaefer), Ziemba is very stellar and makes the utmost of the delicious dialogue. Shereen Ahmed is also a standout as Ziemba’s daughter Flora and Ahmed brings a bit of petulance and flair which suits her character very well.
Tom Hewitt is ideal as the butler Parker and he is happily matched by Nicole Shalhoub, as Helen Russell, and Katy Tang, as Ursula Borne; all three work in the home of the murdered man Roger Ackroyd. Early in the show, the audience is actually able to see the skillful Mark Silence in this part, before he is found dead. It’s difficult to mention every performer in the production, considering the size of the cast, but the handsome Joe Delafield, the humorous Allen Gilmore, and the stalwart Richard R. Henry all make their mark. Indeed, there are no weak links in this company.
Playwright/Director Mark Shanahan does a great job of bringing the best out of everyone on stage and he also does extremely well with his terrific designers. In addition to the brilliant atmosphere provided by the artists responsible for the set and costumes, Julie Duro’s lighting design is almost show stopping in its effectiveness, illuminating each haunting scene, and John Gromada also works wonders with his crystal clear sound design and mood-setting original music.
“Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” unfolds in two rich, nail biting acts and this production at Westport Country Playhouse keeps the audience on the edge of its seat throughout. The show is so surprising and compelling that, at the bows, one of the actors comes forward to ask everyone who has seen the show to keep the killer’s identity a secret. It is highly recommended that you make your way to this stylish play and production for the ultimate experience in mysterious merriment and to find out whodunit for yourself.
“Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” runs through August 1, 2026, at Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Ct., Westport CT. For tickets and information, please call 203-227-4177 or visit westportplayhouse.org.
Photo:(L-R): John Rapson, Karen Ziemba and Anthony Cochrane
Photo by T. Charles Erickson
Reviews by Zander Opper 