Reviews: A Murder is Announced at The New School of NoVA
Written by Bonna Koo of Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology
A single glaring beam pierces through pitch darkness, followed by a penetrating shriek and thundering gunshots. Light flickers and quiet murmurs give way to a cold, dead body. Clutch your pearls and sit at the edge of your seat, for "A Murder is Announced" at The New School of Northern Virginia is about to begin.
Based on the Agatha Christie novel of the same name and adapted by Leslie Darbon, "A Murder is Announced" follows the story of Letitia Blacklock and her eccentric associates in the 1950s as they unravel a knot of unknowns. Sparked by a newspaper announcement of a murder, each twist and turn builds suspense and intrigue as characters edge closer to uncovering the truth.
Courtney Weldon commanded every scene as Letitia Blacklock. Weldon's consistent performance acted as an anchor throughout whimsical and harrowing moments. Her range of vocal tone from despondent, trembling utterances to authoritative, condescending assertions settled chaotic episodes and guided conversations throughout the winding plot. Smoothly flowing through a dynamic character arc, Weldon's initial diplomatic mannerisms started to unravel, her perfectly poised posture deteriorating to desperate grips on furniture and passionate verbal assaults.
Arminé Heard as Miss Marple humorously investigated through key discoveries and tense arguments. Characterized with a steady British accent and slightly sophisticated pout, Heard breathed life into each scene, balancing between comedic interjections and poignant observations. Drew Reynolds, portraying the ever-diligent Inspector Craddock, stood beside Heard as her crime-solving partner. From his first trudge on stage, Reynolds embodied weariness and sarcasm, never failing to humble other characters with an ingenious retort. As the pair traced each chapter of the mystery, they exuded sass and curiosity in every movement, culminating in an explosive climax where their perfectly-paced, electrifying wit led to a spectacle of realization.
The New School's set design and tech classes, headed by Corrine Flood, Michael Greco, and Miles Williams, took full advantage of the black box theater with an intricately designed set that displayed remarkable craftsmanship. From the perfectly even trim of the walls to the subtle marble painting of the coffee table, every inch of the room enveloped the actors in a lived-in home. The elevated, outward stage served as an intimate invitation, framing murderous mishaps as if they were scenes in a reader's mind. White doors on either side of the stage balanced the setting by invoking a rhythmic flow of movement that invigorated excitement and intrigue. Cohesively integrating each actor into the lively setting were the costumes by Matilda "Moss" O'Sullivan. They showcased skillful craftsmanship with an ornate pearl necklace, a centerpiece of Letitia Blacklock's wealth and mysterious past. Contrasting colors and textures, from dark, thick uniforms to white, smooth blouses, revealed characters' interpersonal connections and backgrounds. Whether ill-fitting cardigans or pristinely slicked-back buns, each detail embellished every appearance with a unique, purposeful charm.
Steeped in sharp wit and thrilling adventure, "A Murder is Announced" at The New School of Northern Virginia was wildly entertaining from its gripping opening to its satisfying conclusion, revealing that you can never truly judge a book by its cover.
Written by Madelyn Regan of Centreville High School
As a grandfather clock strikes the half-hour, one thing is clear: it's time for murder. The night's menu is filled with mystery at The New School of Northern Virginia's "A Murder Is Announced," and delicious death is just the appetizer.
Seventeen years after the undeniable success of Agatha Christie's 1950s novel, playwright Leslie Darbon adapted "A Murder is Announced" for the stage. The play opens one fateful Friday the 13th, when an ominous newspaper clipping reads that a murder is about to take place in the home of Miss Letitia Blacklock. Guests arrive under the suspicion that Miss Blacklock is hosting a game of some sort, but the threat proves all too real as one of the guests is shot dead. Once village sleuth Inspector Craddock and amateur detective Miss Marple arrive at the scene, they find themselves wrapped up in a web of trickery, betrayal, and identity theft — all classic components of an Agatha Christie murder mystery.
The moment Courtney Weldon stepped onstage, she embodied the character of Miss Blacklock with a dignified presence. Weldon handled her guests with genuine care and steadied them with a reassuring hand during moments of terror. Her motherly demeanor expertly belied the twisted woman's true motives; that is, until amateur detective Miss Marple arrived to uncover the truth.
Arminé Heard was incredibly witty as Miss Marple, down to her pursed lips and posh British accent. Heard's deliberate mannerisms reflected her character's age, and her razor-sharp tongue made for clever moments of dialogue opposite Drew Reynolds as Inspector Craddock. Hilariously quick to scoff at the murmurings of guests, Reynolds inhabited the Inspector's no-nonsense mindset. He displayed remarkable diligence alongside Heard and the two crafted a performance just as riveting as the case they sought to unravel.
Understanding that hidden clues are the key to every great mystery, the Set Design and Tech classes constructed the crime scene with incredible detail. Black-and-white photographs and vases of violets made every corner of the set look lived in — a homey exterior to the house's chilling corridors. Matilda "Moss" O'Sullivan's costumes expertly added to the ambience. The mismatched pajamas worn by Dora "Bunny" Bunner reflected the character's erratic nature, while the hand-beaded pearl necklace fastened around Miss Blacklock's neck exuded elegance. Concealed beneath Miss Blacklock's pearl necklace was a ghastly scar: Willow Groehn and Marina Figueroa's creation of cortisol liquid and red eyeshadow. Groehn and Figueroa's makeup looks kept to the style of the period, and took inspiration from famous actresses like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. Paired with the crisp, era-appropriate, each actor could have stepped straight out of a vintage film.
With the final slam of a door, The New School's "A Murder Is Announced" came to a satisfying conclusion. Not only did the brilliant cast and crew unveil a feast of secrets, they delivered a thrilling course of betrayal and wit that was simply to die for.