BLACK COFFEE

The West Valley Playhouse’s version of Black Coffee is a strong and enjoyable rendition of the classic Agatha Christie mystery. Soon after its English debut in London, Black Coffee became a favorite among theatergoers and helped to establish Christie as a playwright where she had previously been known primarily as a novelist. Her style would go on to inspire countless writers and her accomplishments have continued long past her own death.

Black Coffee is one of the “Hercule Poirot Mysteries” - the irresistible detective character who outgrew the plays he was written into. This story starts as one might generally expect: with a house, a gathering and intrigue already afoot. The home is that of Sir Claude Amory, and the group is a mix of characters, many of whom already have a cloud of suspicion hovering over them. Richard Amory, Claude’s son, is recently returned from a trip abroad with his young, attractive, Italian wife, Lucia. The accusatory eye of suspicion focuses well on this exotic couple as the action is heightened and the mystery grows. A would-be explosive innovator, the elder Amory is tough as rawhide, and when his new formula disappears, he is determined to protect his legacy. In addition to his son and daughter-in-law, the other possible suspects include his niece, Barbara Amory, Miss Caroline Amory, and the strange Edward Raynor. Add to the eclectic crowd a larger than life retired detective, his sidekick, Capt. Arthur Hastings, and Inspector Japp, and you have the makings of a story that is prototypical Christie.

Jon Berry directs a highly capable ensemble cast with great attention to detail. The able cast includes fine performances all around. Among the standouts are Daniel Krause, Tom Starko, and Paul Nieman. The set and costumes leap out from the moment the lights go up, and the story is told with seamless continuity, producing a well-paced show that is highly enjoyable. The sound, lights and technical aspects of this production are suitable for the space, and the playhouse itself is a unique and desirable venue. It is, however, the story and words of Agatha Christie combined with the overall cohesive cast performance that keeps this production brewing with fun.

Black Coffee runs until March 4th at the West Valley Playhouse in Canoga Park. http://www.wvplayhouse.com/index.html

If you are expecting a version of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 epic film, you may be surprised. Santa Barbara’s Ensemble Theatre Company’s current production of THE 39 Steps (Emphasis on “THE”) feels more like a vaudevillian romp rather than a golden age film, but the excitement doesn’t lose a thing.

Whereas Hitch’s story was an unparalleled masterpiece that helped to define suspense filmmaking at its best, The 39 Steps is a high-energy, comedy free-for-all where four actors play all the parts and on stage scene and costume changes are half the fun. It is quickly evident upon seeing Fred Kinney’s skillful scenic design that you are in for a unique, madcap journey. Likewise, the technical elements of the show are well conceived to fit the production.

The tale begins as Richard Hannay (Matthew Floyd Miller)hears shots at the historic London theatre. He is swept up by the ensuing panic and finds himself in league with the mysterious and alluring Annabella, whose quick death and government ties set Hannay on the run. A complex plot is revealed in hilarious fashion and an ominous organization called The 39 Steps looms over every twist and turn in the story.

Not a mystery, but a powerhouse, full force comedy! This production owes a tremendous amount of its success to its four industrious cast members. Miller leads a versatile group of performers that also consists of Julie Granata, Louis Lotorto, and Christopher Shaw. Together, they play multiple characters and quickly build set pieces, props, and even sound effects right before your eyes. Reminiscent of the antics of the Reduced Shakespeare Company, these performers are at home in a style of comedy that demands a breakneck pace from start to finish. Director Jamie Torcellini takes full advantage of his talented cast and keeps the laughs rolling with a fast-paced show that is great for any audience.

Ensemble Theatre Company’s production of The 39 Steps runs through February 26. http://www.ensembletheatre.com/

HAIRSPRAY HOLDS ITS OWN

Upon hearing that there is a production of Hairspray playing in Simi Valley, California, one is struck by the ambition of such a small theatre such a small town to tackle such a large show. However, when entering the beautiful Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, it becomes immediately clear that doing things well is standard operating procedure here. The entire building seems to say “we care about theatre, the arts, and doing them well,” and the show did not disappoint.

The story is set in 1960’s Baltimore and revolves around the plus-sized body and spirit of incomparable teenager-turned-activist Tracy Turnblad. Tracy dreams of dancing on "The Corny Collins Show" in the same way American teens relished a chance to appear on American Bandstand or Soul Train at the height of the American teen dance craze. Her quest seems to be on the track to success, but her size and the prissy Amber Von Tussle threaten to derail her dream. Despite her trials, endeavors to integrate the “Corny Collins Show” win the heart of handsome Link Larkin and deliver the happy ending that has made Hairspray a favorite of audiences across the country.

Directed by Fred Helsel and Becky Castel, great care is taken to make sure that each element of the show adds something to the overall production. Castel’s choreography is spot on and the cohesive cast delivers with every step. The sound and lighting elements - so important to this show - left nothing to be desired. They illuminated not only the performers and set, but also the SVCAC’s surprising technical expertise, rarely seen in theatres that are somewhat off the beaten theatre path. Gary Poirot’s musical direction is an audible delight and strong performances are delivered from beginning to end. In particular, the audience falls in love with Jamie Whittington-Studer, who plays Tracy to the hilt with everything the role should be. Her costars and supporting cast provide great individual performances, but are most impressive as a group. In fact, it is the cast as a whole that makes this production so enjoyable, as every performer seems engage you in the story in a way that draws you in and leaves you wanting more. With strength from top to bottom, on stage and off, Hairspray more than holds its own!

Hairspray runs through Feb. 12, at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, CA.