Mary Poppins Reviewed in this issue.
Something's Afoot Agatha Christie and her poisonous ilk receive a jolly send-up in this tuneful spoof inspired by Christie's popular kill-'em-off thriller, Ten Little Indians. At a country estate in rural England, several doomed manor guests (not to mention the staff) are too busy singing to notice the wealth of clues that might save their lives. As directed by Maggie Ryan, the modestly clever piece delivers an evening of merry summer fun. But when choreographer Lara Teeter is afoot — both in staging the songs and, we suspect, adding an overall sense of clean style to the piece — the show attains a delightful panache. The hard-working cast (highlighted by Janet Wells as an indefatigable amateur sleuth) probably wouldn't have to work quite so hard if the orchestra was reduced to a single piano and the microphones were returned to storage. Produced by Insight Theatre Company through September 8 at the Heagney Theatre at Nerinx Hall High School, 530 East Lockwood Avenue, Webster Groves. Tickets are $20 ($10 for students, $15 for seniors). Call 314-556-1293 or visit www.insighttheatrecompany.com.
— Dennis Brown
