Melanie Ehrlich, directing the first production of the Peninsula Players' season, intently watches actors Chris Blackie and Carla Girvin rehearse a scene from Agatha Christie's The Unexpected Guest, a classic 1958 whodunit.
Ehrlich, with one arm of her glasses tucked thoughtfully in her mouth, is confident the play will resonate with audiences.
"These types of plays from Agatha Christie have done very well," said Ehrlich, referencing previous successful productions like Murder on the Orient Express and The Mousetrap. "People love a good whodunit story, and The Unexpected Guest is another one of those the audience will enjoy."
Ehrlich emphasizes the play's engaging mystery.
"You question yourself through the whole thing – it could be that person, or could it be that other person. You're just captivated and then, the shoe drops and you’re like, oh my gosh, I can't believe it was that!"
Chris Blackie, who is stepping into his first dramatic role as Michael Starkwedder, a stranger who stumbles upon a murder scene, echoes the sentiment.
He reveals that he didn't discover the killer's identity until after the audition read-through.
Blackie hopes the audience will leave the theatre feeling surprised.
Performances will be held at the Charlie White Theatre at the Mary Winspear Centre on May 16 and 17 at 7 p.m., with matinee performances on both days at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available at tickets.marywinspear.ca, and are perfect for those who want an evening of suspense and intrigue.
