By Sandi Masori
SAN DIEGO — Before I start the review I will give you the conclusion: Go, get a ticket and go! to the Old Globe’s current production of Murder On The Orient Express. It’s the kind of theater that the world has been longing to see and didn’t even realize it.
Everything about the show works. It’s fast paced, extremely well acted, full of laughs, and leaves you feeling good, barely noticing that 2.5 hours have passed.
For those unfamiliar with the story by Agatha Christie, it’s a classic who-dunnit set in 1934. Eclectic guests from around the world board a luxury train in Turkey bound for London. One of the guests is murdered and everyone is a suspect.
While every actor in the show is top rate, there is another thing that almost steals the show, and that’s the train set itself. Set designer Paul Tate depoo III really outdid himself. I have never heard applause for a piece of scenery before, but that’s what happened on the night I saw the play. We are introduced to the outside of the train early in the show, which spans the length of the stage, and as each character boards the train, you’re left wondering how they will get the audience from outside the train to inside to see the action. And then they turn it around and you’re introduced to the train dining room. At this point there was a roar from the crowd.
But wait, there’s more! Another swivel and now we’re looking at the sleepers, and another swivel and now we’re in the lounge. It seems that there were a magical number of sets built into the train. And every time you’re left to wonder “How did they do that!?”
It’s not just the set. By coordinating the lights and projections and some special effects, they are able to create the illusion of motion that feels so real it’s almost dizzying. Lighting designer JAX Messenger, sound designer Matthew Parker, and projection designer Greg Emetaz all deserve recognition.
With all the flash of the set, you may worry that the actors aren’t up to the job, but don’t worry they are. It’s one of the tightest ensemble casts I have seen in a long time. All are incredible in their own right and a joy to watch. In particular, Mylinda Hull brings the somewhat intrusive and talkative Helen Hubbard to life. Her over-the-top friendly midwesterner is charmingly annoying and fun to watch.
The show is funny and doesn’t take itself too seriously. And yet, when it’s time to solve the murder and the tone gets more serious, it flows seamlessly into the “keep you on the edge of your seat” conclusion. Kudos to director Peter Amster for a major win.
I really can’t praise this show enough, so instead I urge you to get tickets and go see for yourself. The show plays through Oct. 13.
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Sandi Masori is a theater and food reviewer for San Diego Jewish World
We saw this show last night and I think it was our favorite of the year. It ws terrific in every way. There wass not an empty seat and the audience was enthralled. In the final moments one could hear a pin drop and then everyone rose to their feet. I would see it again and I never say that.