By John Lyle Belden

For an entertaining, affordable outing that also helps support and encourage local talent, we recommend Carmel Apprentice Theatre performances at (naturally) The Cat.

C.A.T. gives less experienced actors and crew the chance to perform a popular play or musical with the aid of experienced mentors. In the current production of Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None,” we also have a first-time director, local actor Tim West, delivering with a fine balance of mystery and humor.

This is the whodunit in which – trapped on a remote island – the murders are constantly happening among 10 characters in a plot inspired by a children’s rhyme (adapted from it’s now-unacceptable title) “Ten Little Soldier Boys.” There is a copy on the back wall of the set, along with an ever-shrinking collection of tin soldier figures. It’s also printed in the program.  

Motive for the killings goes beyond psychopathy; each character has done something in their past that led to others’ deaths. Still, which one is killing the others? Who will survive? Will any? Note that Christie wrote more than one ending for the play, so we will spoil no further.

Butler and cook Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are friendly and accommodating, especially Leroy Delph as Thomas. Dixie Oberlin as his wife is a bit high-strung, though. The eight guests were invited by the mysterious “Mr. and Mrs. Owen.”

Vera (Alyssa Lay) was recently hired as Mrs. Owen’s secretary and was to meet her for the first time here. A steady hand at unsteady characters around area community stages, Lay balances the wariness and stress of being imperiled with just enough craftiness to not take her off your suspect list.

Former Army Cpt. Lombard (Kat Moore) comes off as incredibly dashing, though his past betrays a possible disregard for others’ lives. Moore keeps us guessing with their roguish gentleman.

When Jake Williams (Anthony Marston) isn’t driving his fast car, he’s talking about it. Being one who loves to live on the edge of danger, he’s unfortunately come to the perfect place.

Mr. Davis from South Africa (Daniel Racke) is actually William Blore, a former(?) police officer. Racke doesn’t let us off the hook, acting sus from his very first moment while also giving plausible suspicions of the other guests.

Gen. Mackenzie (Todd Stein) knows a perilous situation when he sees one, and this could be his final battle. Stein infuses the old soldier with appropriate dignity.

Hannah Smith (Emily Brent) in her mind condemned all the others long before the killer (in a gramophone recording) declared all their alleged crimes. Brent plays her like the old auntie you want to like, but is just so prickly to everyone around her.

Sir Lawrence Wargrave (Darrin Gowan), being a retired trial judge, is no stranger to death. He sent many there from the bench, and now finds himself accused. An established theatre veteran, Gowan makes a solid keystone for this production.

Dr. Armstrong (Cassie Scalzi) could really use a drink about now but knows better. Scalzi plays the stoic surgeon-turned-therapist nicely as she confronts the fact that the past never stays there.

Mike Oberlin completes the cast as Fred, the lucky man with the boat.

There are no others on this remote island off the English coast, so it is only ghosts or the illusions of maids (stage crew Isabel Moore and Addison Johnson) who nimbly move about in between scenes to reset the room.

Like a slasher flick with English manners, enjoy “And Then There Were None” 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. Saturday (April 3-4), at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way in downtown Carmel. Get tickets and info at thecat.biz.