Leroy Delph

CAT: One by one they fall, who is killing them all?

PWJW_Indy Reviews, Stage , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

CAT: Fantastic fun with legendary car

PWJW_Indy Reviews, Stage , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

By John Lyle Belden

Carmel Apprentice Theatre is a resident company at, naturally, The Cat venue in downtown Carmel. Everyone who shows up for rehearsal gets a part, as well as mentored by the more experienced performers. This makes for a relaxed easy-going atmosphere on and behind the stage that translates easily to the audience. In this mode, it’s good to take on a production that welcomes aspects of the silly and unreal.

CAT now presents the stage version of the musical “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” based on the book and movie by James Bond creator Ian Fleming. It originated in stories the author told his children, into which he couldn’t help but add some kid-friendly international intrigue. This translated well into the 1968 film musical starring Dick Van Dyke. Music and lyrics are by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, the story adapted by Jeremy Sams from the script by Roald Dahl and Ken Hughes.

To keep things going smoothly, stage veterans take key roles including Evan Wang as inventor Caractacus Potts, Brook-Glen Gober as sweets heiress Truly Scrumptious, Duane Leatherman as Grandpa Potts, Allison Hermann as the rebellious Vulgarian Toymaker, and Hannah Janowicz as the sinister Childcatcher. Other roles have two or even three actors in rotation, while others are in the chorus or dancers. Notable performances include Gober’s precision recreation of the music box scene, and the antics of David Ralstin and Elaine Endris as bumbling Vulgar spies Goran and Boris. Hopefully you will be at a performance with Leroy Delph, looking like a cartoonish king from a playing card, as the immature Vulgarian ruler Baron Bomburst.

And yes, there is the car! Locally fabricated by Scott Osborn of Brown Hound Studios, “Chitty” is an excellent recreation of the movie’s automobile. Does it really float and fly? You’ll have to see for yourself, but don’t forget to say “Please!” when you ask.   

Will Wood directs, with Wang as music director, Ashley Thibodeau the choreographer, and Amanda Lund stage manager.

Featuring classic songs including “Toot Sweets,” “Hushabye Mountain,” “Me Ol’ Bamboo,” and, of course, the title tune, this production is as delightful as a seaside picnic by your favorite roadster. Performances are 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Nov. 19 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way (a couple of blocks south of Main St. in the Arts & Design District), Carmel. Get info and tickets at thecat.biz.