Statesboro’s theater scene was treated to a thrilling performance as a new production of Agatha Christie’s A Murder is Announced took the stage on Friday, February 14 -Sunday, February 16, 2025 at the Averitt Center of the Arts.
This adaptation, directed by Brooks and Danielle Adams, captivated audiences with its intricate plot, dynamic performances, and immersive staging.
When asked about their inspiration for choosing A Murder is Announced, Brooks Adams shared, “Agatha Christie is a beloved writer. Her stories are incredibly intricate, requiring deep character development to bring them to life truly. For our community theater, this play felt like the perfect fit.”
The production, hosted by the Directing Tool Centennial, was designed to be entertaining and engaging. “We wanted to create a show filled with twists and turns, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats,” said Brooks.
With their different backgrounds—Brooks as a seasoned stage director and Danielle as a dancer and choreographer—they combined their strengths to develop a well-rounded performance. “His direction was very script-driven and focused on projection, while mine concentrated on movement and stage use,” Danielle explained.
Adapting Christie’s novel for the stage presented its own set of challenges. “Unlike a book, a stage production has limited locations. We had to streamline the setting while still capturing the essence of the story,” said Brooks. The team settled on six key scenes, all unfolding within a black box living room setup, allowing for an intimate and immersive experience.
Another challenge was the cast itself. “We have a range of experience levels on stage, from veteran actors who have done 50-plus productions to newcomers making their debut. Watching these different levels of experience come together has been rewarding,” said Danielle. “Beyond that, there’s the technical aspect—mastering accents, handling the period-specific dialogue, and making it all sound natural.
The cast really rose to the occasion.”One of the standout aspects of this production was the cast and crew’s dedication. “Everybody stands out in their own way,” said Brooks. “Even those with smaller roles contributed just as much behind the scenes—whether it was handling props, costume changes, or special effects. It was a true team effort.”
The crew worked diligently to capture the atmosphere of the story’s sleepy town setting. “Clint Tootle was brilliant with lighting and sound effects,” Brooks noted. “I worked on building the stage while Danielle carefully selected colors and decorations to enhance the mood. But ultimately, it was the cast that transported the audience through their performances.”
Adding to the community spirit, all of the props and the set were generously donated by local supporters, further emphasizing the collaborative effort behind the production. This production offered a gripping, well-crafted experience for mystery lovers and theatergoers alike.
“Agatha Christie’s hallmark is keeping audiences guessing until the very last moment,” said Brooks. “Our cast did an excellent job of maintaining that suspense, using misdirection and deception to keep everyone engaged.” Beyond the mystery, the play highlighted the importance of community theater. “This production showcased what makes local theater so valuable,” Brooks added. “Our cast included students, retired educators, an attorney, a bus driver, a veterinarian—it truly represented the community coming together for something special.”
As for audience recommendations, the show was suitable for all ages. “There was nothing limiting about the content, but due to the complexity of the plot, we recommended it for ages 10 and up,” Brooks advised. “That being said, even my eight-year-old loved it!”
With a talented cast, an intricately woven plot, and a passionate, creative team, A Murder is Announced and a must-see for any theater lover in Statesboro. Audiences were enthralled, misled, and ultimately astonished as the mystery unfolded on stage.
For more information and other exciting upcoming shows, visit the Averitt Center website or click the Averitt Center filter on the Grice Connect Events Calendar.