DEATH IS ALIVE AND BETTER THAN WELL
Ken Ludwig’s stage adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile premiered to a packed house at Arena Stage, with the playwright himself attending the Kreeger Theater’s opening performance. The story follows 11 disparate passengers embarking on a six-day Nile River cruise. Along the way, relationships are tested, secrets are revealed, and murder strikes in classic Christie fashion.
Armando Durán (Hercule Poirot)
The cast of characters includes British Museum archaeologist Atticus Praed (Robert Standon) and his doctor son Ramses (Ryan Michael Neely); the Otterbournes – failed romance novelist and aspiring actress Salomé (Nancy Robinette) and her daughter Rosalie (Sumié Yotsukura); and Sir Septimus Troy (Eric Hissom), a flamboyant actor. Joining them are Colonel Race (Jamil A.C. Mangan), a friend of Hercule Poirot; Annabelle Pennington (Felicia Curry), a trustee of a wealthy benefactor; and Poirot himself (Armando Durán), seeking rest but inevitably drawn into the ensuing chaos. At the heart of the drama is a fraught love triangle between Simon Doyle (Travis Van Winkle), Jacqueline de Bellefor (Katie Kleiger), and the wealthy socialite Linnet Ridgeway (Olivia Cygan), whose relationships unravel in unexpected ways as the mystery deepens.
Travis Van Winkle (Simon Doyle) and Olivia Cygan (Linnet Ridgeway)
Directed by Artistic Director Hana S. Sharif in her Arena Stage debut, the production is a rich blend of suspense, humor, and emotional complexity. The performances are exceptional. Kleiger’s Jacqueline exudes both charm and menace, while Cygan portrays Linnet with equal measures of glamor and paranoia. Robinette steals scenes with her eccentric and hilarious take on Salomé. Armando Durán anchors the production with his compelling portrayal of Hercule Poirot, taking on the complex challenge of embodying one of literature’s most iconic detectives. With precision, elegance, and a touch of individuality, Durán crafts a Poirot that feels both fresh and reverent to the many interpretations that precede him. His portrayal captures the detective’s keen observational skills, allowing the audience to witness Poirot meticulously untangling the intricate web of relationships and motives that define the mystery. Durán’s thoughtful performance ensures Poirot remains the steady, insightful heart of the ensemble.
Eric Hissom (Septimus Troy), Nancy Robinette (Salomé Otterbourne),
and Sumié Yotsukura (Rosalie Otterbourne)
Arena Stage’s production dazzles with an intricate set designed by Alexander Dodge, immersing both actors and audience in the luxurious yet perilous atmosphere of a Nile River cruise. The stage ingeniously transforms from the bow of a ship – complete with railings for dramatic overboard attempts – to a grand Ancient Egyptian monument, showcasing a remarkable sense of scale and craftsmanship.
Kenneth Posner‘s lighting design seamlessly adapts to the shifting times of day and locations, grounding the audience amidst the play’s dynamic settings. Karen Perry‘s costumes vividly capture the era, accentuating each character’s unique personality with dazzling gold-embellished gowns, velvet jackets, ornate headpieces, and a multitude of period-appropriate costume changes.
Jamil A.C. Mangan (Colonel Race),Travis Van Winkle (Simon Doyle),
and Olivia Cygan (Linnet Ridgeway)
The sound and original music by Charles Coes and Nathan A. Roberts further elevate the experience, transporting viewers to 1937 London and Egypt. The score builds suspense with cinematic precision, enhancing the murder mystery’s tension while allowing the immediacy of live theater to shine through. Together, these elements create a production that feels immersive, thrilling, and richly atmospheric.
Sharif’s assiduous direction brings cohesion to the sprawling cast and complex narrative. Her careful attention to detail ensures that every element of the production serves the story, making for a captivating and thoroughly enjoyable theatrical experience.
Eric Hissom (Septimus Troy), Nancy Robinette (Salomé Otterbourne),
Sumié Yotsukura (Rosalie Otterbourne), Katie Kleiger (Jacqueline de Bellefort),
Armando Durán (Hercule Poirot), Felicia Curry (Annabelle Pennington),
and Jamil A.C. Mangan (Colonel Race)
Adapting a literary classic and popular film to the stage is no small feat, but this production succeeds in capturing the spirit of Christie’s work while taking advantage of the unique immediacy of live theater. While occasional set changes briefly disrupt the flow, the overall experience is one of seamless storytelling and immersive drama. The audience’s reactions heighten the suspense, transforming Death on the Nile into a communal experience filled with gasps, laughter, and applause.
Sharif’s directorial debut is a resounding success, delivering an adaptation that respects the source material while embracing the possibilities of live theater. Death on the Nile at Arena Stage is a riveting evening of mystery and entertainment, a must-see for fans of Christie and Ludwig alike. The SS Karnak awaits – anchors aweigh!
Armando Durán (Hercule Poirot)
photos by T. Charles Erickson Photography
Death on the Nile
Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater
Kreeger Theater, 1101 Sixth Street SW in D.C.
2 hours 30 minutes minutes with intermission
ends on December 29, 2024
for tickets ($55–$179), call 202.488.3300 or visit Arena Stage
