Lake Park High Theatre to put on Agatha Christie mystery ‘And Then There Were None’

Posted October 30, 2024 11:59 am

By Sherri Anderson, Lake Park High School District 108

Ten strangers lured to a remote island by a mysterious host try to figure out who is the murderer in Lake Park High's production of “And Then There Were None.” Courtesy of Lake Park High Theatre

The Lake Park High School theater department presents “And Then There Were None,” based on Agatha Christie's novel of the same name.

Directed by English/drama teacher Erik Uppling, “And Then There Were None” tells the story of 10 strangers lured to a remote island by a mysterious host, only to be systematically murdered one by one.

The play focuses on the escalating tension and suspicion as the characters try to uncover the identity of the killer while trapped on the island with no way to escape. This production will keep you guessing “whodunit” all the way until the shocking conclusion!

Tickets, which may be purchased online in advance or at the door, are free to seniors and Lake Park students, or $5 for anyone age 13 or older.

Performances will be at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1-2, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, in the East Campus Dice auditorium, 600 S. Medinah Road, Roselle.

Uppling answered some questions about the production.

Q. Why did you choose “And Then There Were None” for Lake Park High School's fall play?

I love a good mystery. I thought with our production landing around Halloween, why not give Agatha Christie some stage time. The kids have been having fun exploring spinoffs over the last few years, so I thought it was time to explore the OG of mysteries.

Q. For those who aren't familiar, please describe the plot.

The play is set on an island off the coast of England. 10 strangers are invited to the island where they are systematically murdered one by one.

Q. How many students are involved with the production?

There are 10 actors in the show. The show also boasts two student stage managers as well.

Rogers: Senior George Moore

Mrs. Rogers: Junior Nikki Vandergriff

Fred Narracott/Anthony Martson: Sophomore Matt Hudak

Vera Claythorne: Junior Kylene Murphy

Phillip Lombard: Senior Julian Mostowski

William Blore: Junior Java Lane

General Mackenzie: Junior Phillip Howlett

Emily Brent: Sophomore Kaylee Kartholl

Justice Wargrave: Sophomore PJ Lavery

Dr. Armstrong: Senior Luke Thomas

Justice Wargrave (played by sophomore PJ Lavery) is one of 10 strangers invited to a small, isolated island off the coast of England. Soon, they are murdered one by one in Lake Park High theater's production of “And Then They Were None.” Courtesy of Lake Park High theater

Q. How will your play differ from the original?

We will be performing the 1939 original ending. The novel itself has gone through many revisions and updates since Agatha originally published it in 1939. I left it up to the students to pick which version they wanted to produce — lucky for me they liked the one I wanted to do as well.

Q. What were the most challenging aspects of getting this production together?

Currently, our challenges are bringing these characters to life. Students are dealing with characters much unlike themselves. Some are playing characters years older than they are, and everyone is performing with a British accent. Those two characteristics alone make for quite the challenge.

Q. What did you find most rewarding?

I just love watching them work and work off each other. Sometimes I forget I am working with students. Their attention to details are amazing, the courage to explore is inspiring, and their dedication to the production is such a comfort.

Lake Park High theater students decided to perform the 1939 original ending to Agatha Christie's “And Then There Were None.” Courtesy of Lake Park High Theatre

Q. What were some of the best moments in putting together this production?

There is something about producing the OG (original gangster) of this story that kids really have taken this upon themselves to put their best work forward. It has been fun watching them build suspense between each murder, create confusion and distractions for the audience, and still have time to laugh and build that chemistry that every director hopes evolves with each production. I have been lucky — I cast great kids and they are doing great work!

Q. What do you think audiences will enjoy most about this play?

For those who haven't read the novel, I think they will enjoy Agatha's quest to figure out whodunit? The show has three acts and audiences will be on the edge of their seats trying to figure out the murderer. Just when you think you know, Agatha throws in a twist! A classic murder mystery might be just what we need right now.

Q. What do some of the performers have to say about the show and their role in it?

Kids have been having a blast. They come ready to work every day, and I have been so pleased with their commitment and their fresh ideas every day.

Q. Anything else you'd like readers to know about this show?

If you see me during intermission, stop by and tell me who you think the murderer is — I would love to celebrate your insights. I won't give it away until Agatha does, so have fun!

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