One of my favorite parts of attending any production of Judson Theatre Company is when Executive Producer Morgan Sills walks down the aisle to the front of the stage and introduces the play. It is at that moment that I begin to smile because I know that I will be taken on a journey that will stay with me long after the curtain closes.
Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution was no exception. In fact, during the courtroom scene, the audience becomes the jury as the courtroom hearing progresses. The set is perfect, and the style is of the 50s era in which the play was written.
It features Leonard Vole (James Cella), a young man who is on trial for the murder of a wealthy older woman he had befriended. His wife Romaine (Lizzie King-Hall) agrees to testify at his trial but as a witness for the prosecution, and thus how the play is named.
(L-R) James Cella, Alan Campbell. Photo credit Tim Sayer Photography.
Cella expertly shows us a very naïve Leonard Vole who is smitten with his very unfeeling German wife. King-Hall has such a presence as the unflinching Romaine, and both actors superbly carrying us through the jagged twists and turns of the play and manage to leave us absolutely stunned at the end.
Alan Campbell as Sir Wilfrid Robarts is wonderfully cast and his courtroom antics with Tim Garner’s Mr. Myers are sinfully delightful. Campbell and Garner play off of each other as if they have worked together for years. Their expressions alone bring laughter and convey more than words ever can.
Maddie Casto captivated us with her portrayal of Greta as did Jennifer Hope as the over-protective and accusatory Janet McKenzie. Truly an entertaining evening and an amazing job by the entire cast. Hats off to all of you.
Alright everyone, what are you waiting for? Get your tickets and go see Witness for the Prosecution.
If you love a good mystery, it doesn’t get better than Agatha Christie. Oh wait, it does. Agatha Christie as a Judson Theatre Company production.
Performances are at Sandhills Community College’s Owens Auditorium Saturday, November 23 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Sunday’s show begins at 3 p.m.
To purchase tickets online, please visit http://judsontheatre.com/.
Feature photo credit Tim Sayer Photography: (L-R) Alan Campbell, James Cella, and Mike Brennan.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel Publisher B.J. Goodridge.
