Hartford Stage,
Hartford, CT
through March 25, 2018
by Shera Cohen
It’s difficult to think
of a writing team of opposites whose work together (albeit, each from a
different century) creates a near-perfect weaving of mystery and wit. Hartford
Stage’s “Murder on the Orient Express” is a seamless script with elements of
illusions and macabre from Queen of Crime author Agatha Christie placed in the
hands of Ken Ludwig, one of the 21st century’s best playwrights whose forte is
humor.
Hartford Stage’s
production presents its audience with a gift – which on every level looks like
the exact image of an authentic train called The Orient Express, complete with
a cast of a dozen dazzling characters. Before any significant action, it is
clear that a story of upper crust glamour is about to hit the rails. Equal to
the talent of the play’s director and actors is the exquisite precision by set
designer Beowulf Boritt, sound designer Darron L. West, and costume designer William
Ivey Long. Spotlight’s reviews usually end with a short comment or two on the
accomplishments of those backstage geniuses. In the case of “Orient Express,”
this triumvirate of talent must be given special accolades. Boritt’s creation
of the exterior and three-car interior of a decadent mid-20th century European
train, West’s music and sound effects’ programming, and Long’s expensive
fashions are nearly as important as the actors in telling Christie and Ludwig’s
story.
Over the years, many
Hercule Poirots have taken to the movie screens and television, conjuring up
various personal images of this private investigator extraordinaire. Actor
David Pittu, creates our over-dressed, well-spoken, intellectual hero. With
Ludwig’s dialogue and emphasis on merriment more than mystery, Poirot reminds
us of a dignified Inspector Colombo. Pittu is a slight man, yet in his own
quiet way presents a Poirot whose presence shadows all other actors, as he well
should. Pittu does, however, have competition from Julie Halston, an excellent
actress playing a poor actress – that must be difficult. Emily Mann has
directed her cadre of actors to play over-the-top, befitting their characters,
aka suspects.
