One thing's certain about the Stage 43 rendition of the play A Talent for Murder. It will leave you in stitches - pardon the expression.
"It's really a North American Agatha Christie," director Gaye LePage said. "It's not an Agatha Christie... unlike Agatha Christie it's more along the lines of a comedy.
"It's a murder mystery, but it's a murder mystery comedy."
The play runs Thursday through Saturday at Evergreen Cultural Centre, 8 p.m., with a matinee performance Sunday at 2 p.m. It continues with evening performances Jan. 18 through 21.
The show's main character is Anne McClain (played by Mari-Lyn Kelly), a prolific and wealthy mystery writer who's surrounded by dysfunctional family members, greedy in-laws, a droll butler and an aging lover.
The cast of seven is highlighted by award-winning actor Reginald Pillay in the role or Rashi, a paroled east Indian convict and McClain's servant whose off-the-cuff one-liners confuse his listeners as well as himself.
"[Pillay] is just so comedic," LePage said. "He has some of the best exit lines I've ever heard."
Richard Lund plays Dr. Anthony Wainwright, a physician who plays McClain's love interest. Filling out the cast are up-and-coming actors Emma Drury (as Sheila McClain) and Becca Strom (as Pamela Harrison) along with Ryan Johnson (as Lawrence McClain) and Parker Thompson (as Mark Harrison), all of whom bring youthful energy to the play.
"They all bring tremendous creativity, which is lovely to see," LePage said.
For tickets, visit www.stage43.org or call the ECC box office at 604-927-6555.
