The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

    Aquila Theatre performs “Murder on the Nile”

    The Aquila Theatre returned to the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts to perform Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Nile.” Three Aquila Theatre actors used the setting of mid-World War II London to depict a radio show version of the murder mystery during an air raid. At the beginning of the show, the three radio actors enter during an air raid and tried to make up for the loss of other radio actors in the retelling of “Murder on the Nile.”

    The two and a half hour production was held at the Columbia Theatre on Friday, Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m.

    Executive Director of the Columbia Theatre Roy Blackwood welcomed the Aquila Theatre with praise and foreshadowed their return. 

    “They are a fabulous troupe,” said Blackwood. “We always have them back, year after year, they always do great things. Next year, I’m having them back. It’ll be wonderful. It’s a wonderful troupe, very professional.” 

    Each character had to assume the identity of several persons represented in the retelling of the Nile murder mystery.

    “It’s amazing how many characters they do with three people,” said Blackwood. “Of course, there are people behind the scenes. It’s six people that travel. It’s sort of ironic that they have six people and they portray six people on stage.” 

    “I think it’s very enjoyable,” said Linda Wiesinger, a patron of the play. “I’m a little confused sometimes with the English accent, but it’s very enjoyable. It’s amazing how they can change characters midstream.”

    The audience members were able to attempt to decipher the mystery as the portrayed radio show was broken up by musical sections and sirens.

    “I always like it when it starts to reveal itself,” said Blackwood. “I like to figure things out early. I did, but I wouldn’t say anything to anybody. It’s always fun to figure it out. I had read the book.”

    The Aquila Theatre celebrates its 25th anniversary with the “Murder on the Nile” production. 

    “I wanted to honor this play as a work intended for the live stage, and in doing so, create a new production that places the act of playmaking as the central driving force of how the piece is delivered,” said Aquila Theatre founder Peter Meineck. “My aim is that we get to enjoy this brilliant classic murder mystery once again while also being thoroughly entertained in the finest style and traditions that the Aquila Theatre has become so well known for.”

    The Columbia Theatre will present the Southeastern Opera/Music Theatre Workshop: “The Merry Wives of Windsor” next on Feb. 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. Other performances and tickets for upcoming Columbia Theatre events can be bought online at columbiatheatre.com.

     
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