Purple Rose Theatre Company presents Steven Dietz’s 2023 farce, Murder on the Links, based on an Agatha Christie whodunit, April 2–May 31. | Sean Carter
Murder is not often described as charming, but Purple Rose Theatre’s latest production manages to transform a typically morbid affair into something quite delightful. Based on the Agatha Christie novel, Steven Dietz’s Murder on the Links is a comedic interpretation of he story, infusing absurdist British humor into the classic murder mystery. The play, directed by David Bendena, made its Michigan premiere at the theater April 2 and runs until May 31.
The story is set in 1923 in the fictional village of Merlinville-sur-Mer in the French countryside. Belgian Detective Hercule Poirot and his British flatmate/assistant Captain Hastings travel from England when wealthy businessman Paul Renauld contacts them for help, but by the time they arrive, they have his murder to solve. Renauld was found stabbed in the back on a golf course, and the duo must now question the cast of suspects who surround him. Is it the grieving wife or frustrated son who stand to inherit his fortune? Perhaps the flirty neighbor or her daughter, with entangled romances driven by greed? What about the maids or gardener, or the mysterious English actress who appears in love letters found in the victim’s overcoat?
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The play features a metatheatrical style, with constant winks at the audience. It opens with flair, addressing viewers directly as cast members explain the props, settings, and setup of the show, before Captain Hastings continues as the main narrator.
The small cast of six takes on myriad roles. Bill Simmons and Caitlin Cavannaugh lead as Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings, respectively. John Bernos, Ruth Crawford, John Seibert, and Ashley Wickett handle the rest, switching between characters with a change of accent, hat, scarf, jacket, or hairstyle.
The cast is superb with impeccable comedic timing, drastically changing, exaggerated personae, and dynamic physical comedy. Bernos, Crawford, Seibert, and Wickett flow through their various characters with impressive ease and within seconds, although part of the humor is increasing and purposeful blurring between changes as the show progresses.
Cavannaugh gives a standout performance as the quirky, bumbling, gender- swapped Captain Hastings. Her earnestness, excitability, and literal prancing around the stage are endearing, and she masterfully guides the audience through the increasingly bizarre plot.
Murder on the Links is a delightful experience that should appeal to fans of murder mysteries and British humor alike. It’s absurdist without being tedious, fast-paced enough to keep you engaged throughout the show, and delivered by a masterful cast and creative team.