By Barbara Zaferos
When it comes to staging a murder mystery the characters at the heart of it are all important. Plot twists come and go, but as an audience we need to be drawn in by the people and how the actors portray them.
In “Bloody Murder” by Ed Sala, being performed by Lake Country Players through Feb. 19, we are in on the thoughts and conversations of an array of British types gathered for a weekend of fun and games at the country estate of Lady Somerset, portrayed with aplomb by Sara Sarna.
As the audience members take their seats, 40’s music sets the mood and the interior decor is visible, putting them in the midst of the action. The intimate space of the 80-seat theater suits the small scale of the show just right.
For his story, the playwright calls for an assortment of stock characters one might expect to see including the fading actor, the innocent ingenue, a mysterious countess, faithful maid and smarmy nephew. The ensemble cast is up for the challenge.
Under the direction of Andrea Ewald, the actors dive right in to make these stereotypical folks their own through their vocal delivery, timing and body language. They each help propel the storyline in style, even though a few inconsistencies in dialect were evident.
The ensemble, for the most part, is successful in keeping focus and moving the plot along on its unforeseen path. A few instances of veering into overly cartoonish facial expressions proved distracting at times, especially with theatergoers so close to the stage.
Sarna is solid in her portrayal of the aristocratic lady of the house with lots on her mind as her weekend guests arrive and questions arise. On this particular day, when one guest is killed, Lady Sommerset doesn’t call the police but instead decides to take things in a different direction. That sets off unexpected consequences and humorous revelations of just exactly what this assortment of individuals may be hiding – and what they may be capable of.
Two of the most polar-opposite guests at the weekend meetup are The Major, portrayed by Mike Owens, and Devon Tremane, played by Bob Hurd. An initially awkward conversation between the two sets the tone of what may be to come.
Owens exhibits a sure command of his upstanding character’s boastful demeanor while Hurd makes his hard-drinking, fading actor believable.
Other cast members include Becca Richards who effectively brings out the various shades of her character, Jane the maid. Also included are Amy Wickland as Charles, Jaleesa Joy as Emma. The opening night performance featured Evelyn Ewald in the role of the Countess in red.
In a play of this genre the surprise element is essential, so this review won’t give away any zigs or zags in the plot that make this work unique.
To discover the inventive twists and hilarity that ensues, check it out at Lake Country Playhouse, 221 E. Capitol Dr., Hartland.
Go see if, as touted in the playbill, it is ”A Comedy to Die For.”