Audiences will delight in this puzzle box play that could only come from the mind of Agatha Christie
Mystery lovers will be riveted by the courtroom drama from master of the genre, Agatha Christie, as Avon Players presents Witness for the Prosecution February 12-20.
From left to right: Dean Vanderkolk as John Mayhew, Steve Sanger as Sir Wilfred Robarts, and Joy Oetjens as Romaine Heilger. Photo Credit: Lesa Bydalek
When the wealthy Miss French is murdered, the primary suspect is Leonard Vole (Brandon Johnson), a young man whom she has befriended. Vole, newly returned from war with his German bride, Romaine (Joy Oetjens), is charming and ambitious but lacks visible means of support. He admits to having visited Miss French on the night of the murder, but insists he was home by the time of death, an alibi that can only be confirmed by Romaine, whose story is unconvincing. It is up to the able barrister Sir Wilfrid Roberts (Steve Sanger) to defend Vole in the face of damning evidence, but even when it appears that Vole might go free, a surprise witness takes the stand. With twist upon twist, Witness for the Prosecution will keep audiences guessing until the final moment.
The Guinness Book of World Records lists Agatha Chirstie, who adapted the play from her novel of the same name, as the best-selling novelist of all time, her novels having sold roughly two billion copies. Her estate claims that her works, which have been translated into over one hundred languages, come in third in the rankings of the world’s most published books, after the works of Shakespeare and the Bible. The original Broadway production of Witness for the Prosecution earned two Tony Awards and an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for Best Mystery Play.
Tickets for all shows are $16 ($14 on Sundays for students and Seniors). Call 248.608.9077 for tickets or order online at www.AvonPlayers.org. Group rates are available by calling the box office. “Like” Avon Players Theatre on Facebook for special offers on tickets. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. All seats are reserved. Remaining show dates and times are as follows:
Friday, Feb 12 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, Feb 13 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, Feb 14 2:00 p.m.
Friday, Feb 19 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, Feb 20 8:00 p.m
Cast and Production Staff by Community:
Clarkston
Steve Sanger (“Sir Wilfrid Robarts”)
Dean Vanderkolk (“Mr. Mayhew”)
Ferndale
Andy Henry (“Dr. Wyatt”)
Macomb Township
Deidre Ward Beck (“Stenographer”)
Ortonville
Joy Oetjens (“Romaine/Woman”)
Pontiac
David Reynolds (“Carter/Mr. Justice Wainwright”)
Rochester
Forrest Boughner (“Plain Clothes Detective/Warder”)
Betsy Labick (Props Design)
Rochester Hills
Lisa Cotter (“Greta”)
John (JD) Deierlein (Technical Director/Lighting Design)
Brandon Johnson (“Leonard Vole”)
Shelby Township
Lesa Bydalek (Producer)
Jennifer Combs (Costume Design)
Kim Monterosso (Director)
Mark Palmer (“Clerk of the Court/Court Usher/Policeman”)
Emily Polet-Monterosso (Assistant Director)
Lori Smith (“Girl”)
Sterling Heights
Steve Grady (“Mr. Clegg”)
Eric Rodman (“Inspector Hearne”)
Waterford
Jeff Stillman (“Mr. Myers Q.C.”)
White Lake
Carol Taylor (“Janet Mackenzie”)
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