Agatha Christie's 'Death on the Nile' is a play that has brought a unique and captivating experience to the stage. On the opening night at Arena Stage, a shocking event occurred that had the audience in stitches. A gunshot echoed through the theater, followed by an embarrassed chuckle that spread like wildfire. This is just one of the many surprises that await audiences in this thrilling murder mystery.

Uncover the Mysteries of 'Death on the Nile' on Stage

Introduction to the Characters

In this play, we follow a group of 11 unlikely traveling companions. British Museum archaeologist Atticus Praed and his doctor son Ramses Praed are among them. There's also the Otterbournes - romance novelist Salomé and her daughter Rosalie. Sir Septimus Troy, a famous actor, and Colonel Race, a longtime friend of Hercule Poirot, are on board. Annabelle Pennington, a trustee of Linnet Ridgeway, joins at the last minute. And of course, the renowned Belgian detective Hercule Poirot is also present, hoping for a murder-free vacation that doesn't seem to be in the cards.Among them is the love triangle of Simon Doyle, Jaqueline de Bellefort, and socialite Linnet Ridgeway. Simon and Jaqueline start the show in 1937s London, clearly in love. But when they join the cruise, things take a turn. Jackie is no longer by Simon's side; he has married Linnet. Their friendship turns sour, adding a layer of complexity to the mystery.

The Production Design

Arena's production of 'Death on the Nile' is a large-scale spectacle. Alexander Dodge's elaborate set design brings the actors and audiences onto the cruise. It transforms from the bow of a ship with a railing for characters to attempt jumping overboard to an Ancient Egyptian monument. The scale of the design is truly remarkable, creating a vivid backdrop for the story.Kenneth Posner's lighting design is also exceptional. It creates the necessary environment for the play as the scenes shift in time and location. It moors the audience throughout the many changes, enhancing the overall experience. Karen Perry's costume design is another highlight. It enhances each character's unique personality while also portraying the reality of the period with fabulous gold-bedazzled dresses, velvet suit jackets, and elaborate headpieces. There are also a plethora of costume changes that add to the visual appeal.

The Acting

The actors give exceptionally specific and individual performances. Katie Kleiger plays Jackie de Bellefort with enticing charm and ominous mystery. Olivia Cygan brings Linnet Ridgeway to life with her glamorous and paranoid self, making the audience both sympathize with and distrust her. Nancy Robinette gives Salomé Otterbourne endless charisma and personality, bringing laughter and astonishment to the audience. Felicia Curry gives Annabelle Pennington all the importance in the world with her delightful and eye-catching presence.Armando Durán holds the whole cast together as he portrays the iconic Poirot. He does so with grace, meticulousness, and individuality, offering the audience his version of Poirot while still respecting the many predecessors. He observes every relationship with the watchful eye of an owl, helping the audience see the spiderweb of complications within the group.

The Direction

Under the direction of Hana S. Shariff, this hefty show excels. She directs with acute attention to detail, which is essential for a production of this size. From the acting to the lighting, everything fits into the calculated world of this murder mystery.It's not easy to adapt such an iconic book and movie for the stage, which has certain limitations. While sometimes excessive set changes take away from the flow, overall, this adaptation is well suited for the Kreeger. The added intimacy created by the presence of a live audience makes the show enjoyable while still suspenseful.

The Overall Experience

Original music and sound design by Charles Coes and Nathan A. Roberts elevate the ambiance and center the audience in 1937 London and then Egypt. The music creates suspense, which is essential in this murder mystery brought to life on stage. It gives the stage play a feel similar to a movie, with the added enjoyment of a live, reacting audience.Running Time: Two hours and 25 minutes with one intermission.Agatha Christie's 'Death on the Nile' plays through December 29, 2024, in the Kreeger Theater at Arena Stage. Tickets ($59–$179) may be obtained online, by phone at 202-488-3300, or in person at the Sales Office (Tuesday-Sunday, 12-8 p.m.). Arena Stage offers savings programs including "pay your age" tickets for those aged 35 and under, student discounts, and "Southwest Nights" for those living and working in the District's Southwest neighborhood. To learn more, visit arenastage.org/savings-programs.The program for 'Death on the Nile' is downloadable here.COVID Safety: Arena Stage recommends but does not require that patrons wear facial masks in theaters except in designated mask-required performances (Tuesday, December 17, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 28, at 2 p.m.). For up-to-date information, visit arenastage.org/safety.Lucille Rieke is an actor, musician, singer, and teaching artist based in Washington, DC, and San Francisco. She is currently a sophomore at American University studying Theatre Performance and Public Relations. You may have seen her recently in American University’s production of Daughters of Leda (Alex/Eve) or Once (Ex-Girlfriend). Lucille is honored to have the opportunity to write with DC Theater Arts as part of the DC Theater U program and cannot wait to begin seeing more theater in the future.Agatha Christie's 'Death on the Nile' Adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig Directed by Hana S. SharifCREATIVE TEAMSet Designer: Alexander DodgeCostume Designer: Karen PerryLighting Designer: Kenneth PosnerOriginal Music and Sound Design: Charles Coes and Nathan A. RobertsProject Designer: Brittany BlandHair and Wig Designer: LaShawn MeltonFight Director: Sordelet Inc – Rick SordeletDialect and Vocal Coach: Lisa NathansDramaturg: Otis Ramsey-ZöeNew York Casting: Caparelliotis Casting, David Caparelliotis and Joseph GeryDC Casting: Raiyon HunterCreative Associate: Ashley D. PolasekStage Manager: Christi B. SpannAssistant Stage Manager: Dayne SundmanCASTAnnabelle Pennington: Felicia CurryLinnet Ridgeway: Olivia CyganHercule Poirot: Armando DuránSeptimus Troy: Eric HissomJacqueline de Bellefort: Katie KleigerColonel Race: Jamil A.C. ManganRamses Praed: Ryan Michael NeelySalomé Otterbourne: Nancy RobinetteAtticus Praed: Robert StandonSimon Doyle: Travis Van WinkleRosalie Otterbourne: Sumié YotsukuraUnderstudiesFor Ramses Praed, Simon Doyle: Brandon HaagensonFor Linnet Ridgeway, Jacqueline de Bellefort, Rosalie Otterbourne: Lilli HokamaFor Hercule Poirot, Septimus Troy, Colonel Race, Atticus Praed: Keith RichardsFor Salomé Otterbourne, Annabelle Pennington: Erika RoseExtrasSam Fromkin, Kira Gandolfo, Daniel MasedaPRODUCTIONAssociate Projection Designer: Zavier TaylorAssistant Director: Jaida GillespieAssistant Set Designer: Clayton DombachProjections Programmers: Tiffany Chen, Jerran KowalskiIntimacy Consultant: Sordelet Inc. And Victoria VourkoutiotisMovement Consultant: DeMoya Watson BrownMagic Consultant: Ryan PhillipsProduction Assistant: Kyla S. Mermejo-VargaStage Supervisor: Hannah MartinDeck Carpenter: Courtney NaughtonProps Technicians: Luís Ramon Córdovez, Erica FeidelseitLight Board Operator: Kelsey SwansonLighting Assistant: Christian HenrriquezAudio Engineer: Liv FarleySecond Audio: Emily PanWardrobe Supervisor: Alice HawfieldWardrobe: Lillian Hall, Caitlin O’BrienWigs, Hair And Makeup Supervisor: Jaime BagleyCrew Swings: Trevor Comeau, Madalyn Oliver