by Vicki Paris Goodman
A murder mystery that aspires to far more, Spider’s Web would much rather concentrate on its characters’ tall tales, eccentricities and enthusiasm. In fact the murder plays such a distinct second fiddle to the suspense thriller’s intriguing inhabitants, and to the clear division drawn between good and evil, that the ugly deed seems almost a silly afterthought in the midst of the morally self-conscious fun and good cheer. Such is the quality of the work of playwright Agatha Christie.
But fun and good cheer? In a murder mystery? Yes, to this extent Christie’s play is a bit of a cheek-tongue in cheek, that is. We get the sense that the play’s characters are really caricatures in their stereotypical simplicity.
Pitted against each other are pretty Clarissa Hailsham-Brown (Melissa Leigh), a child’s dream of a stepmom; and Oliver Abbott (Joseph Byrd), the Snidely Whiplash of a scoundrel threatening to destroy the happiness of precocious snack-obsessed young Pippa (Kaylee Rose Bouwens).
A fine child actress, Bouwens is well up to the portrayal of Pippa, a challenging role with many lines. Leigh plays a genuinely delightful Clarissa, and Abbott’s chilling snake-like wickedness is deftly delivered by Byrd.
Christie leads us down many a false path before finally satisfying our curiosities. In the meantime, too many people seem too interested in the hidden drawer inside an antique desk. A secret passageway behind a book shelf, though an overused theatrical device, is always good for an imagination’s side trip. And two of the Hailsham-Browns’ service staff (Martha Duncan and Rebecca Rainboldt) are not who they appear to be.
Unlike the proverbial boy who cried wolf, Clarissa has no trouble convincing others of the veracity of her bold fabrications. Inexplicably, no one seems to believe her when she tells the truth.
Clarissa’s support system, an unlikely trio of “knights in shining armor,” complicates matters, each in his own engaging way.
David Hood’s entertaining depiction of the gruff and complaining Judge Birch has a bark far worse than its bite. The fatherly Sir Rowland (Mitchell Nunn) would clearly do anything for his once-upon-a-time ward Clarissa.
Would-be suitor Jeremy strikes a dynamic figure played by Ryan Young, except for one thing. Clarissa is happily married to career-distracted Henry (Ryan Treller), who remains comically naïve to the rather dire goings on at home.
Director Michael David Fox brings Christie’s sense of fun to full flower in this production of Spider’s Web. He rightly counterbalances the lightheartedness with his more serious treatment of the roles of Inspector Lord (Rich Kopps) and Constable Jones (Todd Gilliam).
Kopps nails his part as the overly lied to police inspector who maintains his professionalism to the bitter end. Kopps is a really wonderful actor who I hope to see in future Long Beach Playhouse productions.
Jesse GrothOlson’s surprisingly lackluster set possesses one fabulously creative feature-the French doors with irregular muntins depicting a spider’s web. Just great!
Spider’s Web continues on the Long Beach Playhouse Mainstage through Saturday, May 5. General admission tickets are $22; $20 for seniors. Student tickets are $12 on Fridays and Saturdays with valid student ID. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees on April 15, 22 and 29 at 2 p.m. Call (562) 494-1014 for reservations and information.
Tickets are also available online at www.lbph.com.
