***** Nothing beats a good murder mystery, especially when it comes from the legendary novels of Agatha Christie. The Saint Sebastian Players (SSP) at St. Bonaventure know how to deliver a good drama, even on a relatively small stage.For more than 45 years, SSP has operated as a resident theatre company, with a core membership of about 30 actors, directors, designers, technicians, and administrators committed to collaborative theatre. From the few productions I have seen, I can tell you they are a remarkable group of people who know how to bring a story to life.Their latest production, Agatha Christie’s A Murder Is Announced, is a clever whodunit that keeps the audience guessing until the very end.The story takes place in the small, quiet English village of Chipping Cleghorn, where an unusual announcement appears in the local newspaper. It announces that a murder will take place at precisely 6:30 p.m. at the home of Letitia Blacklock, a widow who takes in lodgers and friends. Naturally, the curious neighbors cannot resist showing up to see what happens.
Letitia, played by Jill Chukerman-Test, finds herself at the center of this unusual mystery. Her dearest friend Bunny, played by Emilia Barrosse, is an aging, somewhat senile woman who has known the family for decades.
Also staying at the house are Letitia’s niece and nephew, Julia Simmons (Joleigh Reiss) and Patrick (Adam Hoak). She hasn’t seen the two since they were children, and their unexpected arrival came through a letter from her sister.
Then there is the housekeeper, played by Dawn Cole. You find yourself wondering about her throughout the production. Perhaps it is her thick German accent or the occasional reminders of the war, but something about her character just doesn’t seem to fit.
And then, right on schedule, at 6:30 p.m., everything goes terribly wrong. A mysterious intruder, played by Harper Lisc, enters the picture, a gun is fired, and suddenly there is a murder. The neighbors, Mrs. Swettenham (Shelley De Hosse) and her son Edmund (Sam Waddell), are right there to witness the chaos.
As with every good Agatha Christie mystery, nothing is quite what it seems. There is confusion everywhere, clues are scattered throughout the story, and just when you think you have figured everything out, another surprise comes along.
That leaves the investigation to Inspector Craddock, played by Eric S. Prahl, and the ever-observant Miss Marple, played by Abby McEntee, to sort through the evidence and uncover the truth.
Let me tell you, in this two-hour production, including intermission, nobody is quite who you think they are! That’s what makes this play so much fun. Christie knew how to keep an audience guessing, and this production delivers plenty of twists and turns.
What impressed me most was how beautifully the company pulled this production together with 12 performers on such a small stage. The set is nicely designed and captures the period atmosphere of 1946 England. The costumes also work well overall. My one suggestion would be to reconsider some of the outfits worn by Julia Simmons. A few of the skirt styles seemed a little too modern for the period.
Under the direction of Aliza Fedler, the entire cast and story come together remarkably well. Keeping all the characters, clues, and unexpected developments moving smoothly is no easy task, but Fedler does an excellent job of maintaining the pace and keeping the audience engaged.
If you enjoy a classic murder mystery, with plenty of suspects, unexpected twists, and an ending you probably won’t see coming, A Murder Is Announced is worth seeing.
Don’t Miss It!
The Saint Sebastian Players present Agatha Christie’s A Murder Is Announced through November 15, 2026.
Performance Schedule:
Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
Location:
St. Bonaventure Church (Lower Level)
1625 W. Diversey Parkway
Chicago, IL 60614
(Entrance on Marshfield)
Tickets: Available online through Saint Sebastian Players.
Box Office: 773-281-6588
If you like a good murder mystery, don’t miss this one. Agatha Christie would be pleased!
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