Great Lakes Theater delivers a vehhy British presentation of an Agatha Christie’s classic
Agatha Christie (1890-1976) was known as the “Queen of Crime” with over 73 crime novels and 100 short stories that had more twists than a bent cork screw. Because of the popularity of her tales many have been adapted to radio, television, stage and screen. Her stories introduce us to a variety of characters (some we cheer some we boo and hiss) with convoluted plot twists that have us guessing clear to the end.
It was with great excitement and anticipation when Great Lakes Theater announced its up-coming production of Witness For The Prosecution which has now opened in the Hanna Theatre at Playhouse Square and is Directed by Charles Fee.
Leonard Vole (Taha Mandviwala*) is on the brink of being accused of murdering Emily French, a wealthy spinster whom Leonard had met and befriended. He enlists the aid of Defense Attorney Mr. Mayhew (Lynn Robert Berg*) and Sir Wilfrid Robarts, Q.C. (Aled Davies*). During their initial interview,, Mayhew and Robarts along with their secretary Greta (Laura Welsh Berg*) come to believe in his innocence.
The four of them are up against the prosecuting attorney Mr. Myers Q.C. (Nick Steen*), Vole’s illicit wife Romaine (Jodi Dominic*) and the housekeeper of the deceased, Janet McIntyre as they appear in the court of Justice Wainwright (David Anthony Smith*) and a jury of twelve (picked from the audience).
The fate of this seemingly innocent young man hangs on the testimony of his “wife” that the defense quickly finds cannot be trusted. There is also damaging evidence from the housekeeper as well as hard to explain physical evidence.
Who killed Emily French? Was it her new male companion, Vole, who stands to inherit the entire £85,000 estate? Was it Janet McIntyre the revenge seeking housekeeper who was recently written out of the will? Perhaps it could even be Romaine Vole or her actual husband from East Berlin? You will need to stay for the entire 2 hours plus to find out.
As for the production, first off special mention must be made of the elaborate stage set by Gage Williams. It is a truly accurate representation of an expansive English courtroom complete with huge royal seal, jury boxes, witness stand, tables for the defense and prosecution and high judge’s seat to oversee the proceedings. The set is easily and quickly changed over to the defense attorney’s office as well as a foggy street scene.
As for the cast, all of our favorites are back including Laura Welsh Berg* as the defense attorney’s secretary, Greta who takes a tiny role and expands it with sheer talent. Her typically English trotting walk is a joy to watch. M.A. Taylor* does a wondrous job as Carter (Robert’s right hand man and gofer) as well as Dr, Wyatt. Lynn Robert Berg* as Mr. Mayhew brings the right balance of disbelief that is necessary to propel the story. Taha Mandviwala* as the down trodden Leonard Vole is perfect as the innocent who stands accused. Aled Davies* as Sir Wilfred Robarts, Q.C. brings amazing energy to the role as the bombastic defense attorney who will not be denied justice. In this production there are three people you love to hate starting with Jodi Dominick* as Romaine, Jillian Kates* as Janet MacKenzie and Nick Steen* as Mr. Myers Q.C. Stealing the show with wondrous quips is David Anthony Smith* as the Judge Justice Wainwright who brought comic relief during the court proceedings.
*Member of Actors Equity Association
The hardest role that an American actor can take is one that involves a British accent. Great Lakes Theater has done the nearly impossible by outfitting their actors with believable speech patterns that truly add to the story. This is a colossal show that if you are among the few who have never witnessed Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution in any form, you are in for a huge treat of suspense, drama and even comedy. The court is now in session...you be the judge.
The Great Lakes Theater production of Witness for the Prosecution will be on stage in the Hanna Theatre at Playhouse Square (located at 2067 E. 14th Street, Cleveland, Ohio) through March 10, 2019. tickets may be purchased online by going to www.greatlakestheater.orgor by phone by calling (216) 241-6000 or by stopping by the Playhouse Square Ticket Office located in the outer lobby of the State Theatre.