Secrets and Lies - a review of "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd"

by Michael Buzzelli

“The truth, however ugly in itself, is always curious and beautiful to seekers after it.” – Hercule Poirot

Everyone in Fernly Park is hiding something, and famous, but retired, detective Hercule Poirot (Tim Syciarz) is determined to uncover each and every one of those secrets in Agatha Christie’s “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.”

When Mrs. Ferrars is found dead from an apparent suicide, Dr. James Sheppard (Frank Schurter) is called up to Fernly Park, the palatial estate of Roger Ackroyd (Tim Ruppert), to learn important details of her death.

Ferrars and Ackroyd were having an affair and someone knew about it. Someone was blackmailing Mrs. Ferrars. Soon, Roger is murdered and almost everyone in the tiny hamlet of Kings Abbot is a suspect. Gossip fuels the English village. Just ask Caroline Sheppard (Katheryn Hess), the doctor’s sister.

All fingers point to his stepson, Ralph Paton (Dante Martin), but it’s never the most obvious choice in an Agatha Christie murder mystery.

Could it be his personal secretary, Helen Russell (Ella Mizera)?

Could it be his sister-in-law, Gertrude (Lisa Rugh)? Or her daughter Flora (Rachel Lewandowski)?

It could be the big game hunter, Major Hector Blunt (Nathan Zema).

Or maybe the butler, Parker (Alec Davis), did it. Or the maid, Ursula Bourne (Sissi Zhen).

Side note: The play, adapted for the stage by Mark Shanahan, deviates from the novel, mostly by trimming down the large number of characters. Still, the cast is large at twelve (with another unseen suspect, Charles Kent).

Dr. James Sheppard (Frank Schurter) and Hercule Poirot (Tim Syciarz) find a clue in the boathouse.

Caroline Sheppard (Katheryn Hess) and her brother Dr. James Sheppard (Frank Schurter) discuss the death of Roger Ackroyd.

In the last act, Poirot delivers the dramatic line, “The murderer is in this very room!”

Dunt. Dunt. Da!

Heather Ruppert masterfully directs a fun little murder mystery with a delightful cast.

Shurter carries the bulk of the narrative. In a meta moment, he mentions he is playing Watson to Hercule’s Sherlock. But Dr. Sheppard is no Dr. Watson. He doesn’t just stand around and wait for Hercule to give him all the answers. He’s much more clever.

Syciarz is a wonderful Poirot. Columbo and Charlie Chan under a gigantic moustache. He enlivens the drawing room whenever he appears, especially when he is outwitting Inspector Raglan (Natalie Weicht).

Weicht is marvelous in her role as the bumbling inspector. Weicht gets some of the best comedic moments in the play and delivers each bit with panache. She also has an impeccable English accent in her toolbox.

Rugh’s Gertrude is fun and flirty, continually embarrassing her daughter, Flora. Watching Lewandowski’s face as Flora reacts to Gertrude’s shenanigans is priceless.

Another standout is Hess, as the gossipy Caroline. Pouring the tea and spilling it to anyone within earshot.

Like all the best murder mysteries, most of the action takes place in the drawing room. A smart, cozy nook crafted by scenic and technical designer Nathan Zema.

Lewandowski, who played Flora in the show, also was credited as costume designer. She did excellent work there as well, especially on Raglan’s police uniform.

Even the best amateur sleuths are going to have a bit of difficulty solving “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd,” but it’s a guaranteed good time.

-MB

“The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” plays until June 28 at the Genesius Theater on Duquesne University’s campus, for tickets click here.

Secrets and Lies – a review of “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd”

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