The show is playing at Parker School Theatre now through Sunday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $14 general admission, $12 seniors and students, and $10 for children. Tickets are available at Waimea
BY KIMBERLY HUFF
SPECIAL TO WEST HAWAII TODAY
Waimea Community Theatre’s current production of “The Hollow,” an Agatha Christie murder-mystery-whodunnit, is designed to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Directed by Felicity Johnson, this nail-biting yet witty drama offers the audience suspense and intrigue, dappled with tidbits of well injected humor.
“The Hollow” is set at The Hollow: the country estate of Sir Henry and Lady Henrietta Angkatell. After John Cristow is shot and found lying on the floor dying, the series of events includes a few last words, an investigation, and even a proposal. When all is said and done and the murderer is disclosed, all remains right with the world.
Taking on the role of Henrietta Angkatell, Jennifer McCord of Kailua-Kona truly shines. McCord personifies Henrietta on many levels and with personal depth. Her attention to detail in the role is a balance of talent and understanding of the character through the playwright’s intent.
Raina Thering, a sophomore of Kohala High School, turns in a most noteworthy performance as Midge Harvey. Thering’s young sophistication radiates onstage. She listens, she reacts, and she is ever-present in the moment. Her characterization of Midge is spot on. Midge’s onstage relationship with Edward Angkatell, played by the extremely adept Jacy Anderson, is bold and committed, yet charming. It is always refreshing to see such talented young performers uninhibited and unafraid to take risks.
Furthermore, Anderson, a senior of Honoka’a High School, proves himself as a young acting force to be reckoned with. As Edward Angkatell, Anderson emits a warmth truly designed for the character. Anderson’s dynamic force makes the audience “start” from their seats at one particular given moment. The chemistry between Jacy and Raina as the two newly betrothed adds the perfect touch of charm and vivaciousness to the mystery set to be solved. What a wonderful balance these two young performers add to the overall production.
Not to be overlooked are Bob Haber of Waikaloa and Daryl Jim Diaz, a senior at Kohala High School, as respectively Inspector Calquhoun and Detective Sergeant Penney who eventually bring about the much anticipated conclusion. Diaz’s acute sense of slight comedic timing rounds out the suspense, and Haber’s intensity creates some of the most tense moments throughout the story.
Rounding out the talented cast are Gail Mueller as Lady Angkatell (whose one slight occasional pitfall is a tendency to overact a bit, but since it only happens once in a while, one is left to wonder if perhaps it was unintentional), John Sucke as Sir Henry Angkatell; Gary Hagerman as Gudgeon; Emma Reddekopp as Doris; and Lisa Reilly Anderson who turns in a solid Waimea stage debut for her portrayal of Gerda Cristow the wife of the slain victim.
Any successful production is the product of its summation. A must mention is the set design and decor. If the audience is not entranced in the suspense of the plot line, they are busy admiring the drawing room of The Hollow. The stage is balanced with color and detail. A fireplace and a lovely settee adorn the main stage, and the grounds outside are alluded to with an eye catching back drop.
Furthermore, thoughtful lighting adds to the mood of it all: Soft, subtle yet never too daringly low. Certain sound effects needed to be timed a bit more precariously, but technical issues cannot always be avoided.
Finally, costumes and props are the final treats for the eye. Everyone is well fitted with appropriate attire and becoming style, and the finest touches and attention to detail are carefully considered in numerous props throughout.
Director Johnson’s achievement is a definite must see for the adroit murder-mystery fan and play-going audience.
The play runs three hours, which includes a 15 minute intermission. In any show of this length there are bound to be some long minutes, but since the overall production is well executed, the time spent is well worth the see.
The show is playing at Parker School Theatre now through Sunday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $14 general admission, $12 seniors and students, and $10 for children. Tickets are available at Waimea General Store, Without Boundaries in Waimea, and Suite Possibilities in Kailua-Kona. For more information visit waimeacommunitytheatre.org.
