Go Back for Murder
About the Play
After receiving a letter from beyond the grave, Carla Crale believes her mother, who died in prison, was wrongly convicted of her father’s murder. In a passionate attempt to clear her name, she persuades those present on the day of her father’s death to return to the scene of the crime and “go back” 15 years to recount their version of events. With everyone’s testimony warped by time, prejudice, and perception, can truth prevail?
My thoughts on Go Back for Murder or…on a journey to the past
Watching Rover Dramawerks’ production of Agatha Christie’s Go Back for Murder is like tuning into one of those stylish British PBS mystery programs. You know the kind. The acting is superb, and the plot is filled with enough twists and turns and red herrings to keep you enthralled for an hour or two and afterwards you think to yourself that no one does mysteries as well as the Brits.
Rover’s mounting of Agatha Christie’s play achieves all that is good about those British mystery shows and does it right in front of you. True, it’s not lavishly presented. Director Kathleen Vaught chooses a minimalist approach here. There is no backdrop. Furniture pieces from Set Decorator Nancy Cecco suggest the different locations. It is also particularly effective that Vaught often keeps the suspects, dressed in era appropriate costumes from Allison Kingwell in a straight line of chairs against the upstage wall observing the action while staying in character. It’ s sort of the British equivalent of a line up.
I often say that when the acting, script, and direction are strong, the set becomes less important, and the magic of theater takes over. That is definitely what happens here.
Chloe Villegas in the central role of Carla is excellent as the young woman seeking to prove her late mother’s innocence. I admired her transition to playing her mother Caroline in Act II with just enough sameness to suggest the connection between mother and daughter. Villegas’s presence and delivery maker her compelling on stage.
Always compelling is Christian R. Black who plays Solicitor Justin Fogg. Fogg becomes the Hercule Poirot of the play as he aids Carla in solving the mystery. Black’s clipped British accent and charming, caring demeanor make Fogg an appealing character.
There’s also great work from Karina Barrett as Caroline’s younger sister who goes from a bratty child to a sophisticated young woman with ease. Sue Goodner as Miss Williams, the governess who knows too much, is so talented that she can speak volumes by just lifting an eyebrow. Jenny Wood is terrific as the sexy, seductive femme fatale Elsa, who uses her desirability to attract men. Russell Sims, who plays Amyas Crale, the poisoned artist and father of Carla, makes a handsome, amoral Bohemian sort, and exudes the charisma that makes his appeal to Caroline and Elsa believable. Blair Mitchell and Martin Mussey are extraordinarily good as the Blake brothers. They look and sound like they stepped out of “Masterpiece Theater” and on to the Rover Stage.
The cast also includes Aidan Fenton and Jennifer Grace.
Go Back for Murder is an involving and satisfying mystery that will keep you guessing. It’s a very well-acted and directed Agatha Christie “cold case.”
