JBU theatre presented its production of “Murder on the Orient Express,” written by Agatha Christie and adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig. Performances took place Friday, Sep. 30 through Saturday, Oct. 8 at the Berry Performing Arts Center. The performance showcased the talents of the student actors and the university staff involved. Josiah Wallace, the university’s associate professor of speech and theatre, directed the play.
Several actors shared their experiences about preparing for the play. Freshman Erick Maldonado played the head waiter, as well as Michel, the train conductor. For Maldonado, this was his first time performing for such a big production with a large audience. He expressed that he has been part of small productions back in El Salvador, but “the preparation, makeup, scenario, customs, and production here in JBU are definitely from another level,” he said.
According to Maldonado, all cast members had to rehearse for two to three hours daily, three to four days a week. The cast prepared for a month. He felt that his experience rehearsing for his character was fascinating but, at the same time, intense. Maldonado was interested in being part of the play because he “loved the adaptations and the book of the Murder on the Orient Express,” and he wanted to push his performance boundaries by “trying something new and different.”
Sophomore Jade Vencer, playing Ms. Debenham in the show, found it appealing to be part of a murder mystery play. Vencer expressed that she was involved in theatre as a child, so participating in this production has been “a great opportunity for [her] getting involved in theater again.” Vencer added, “theater is something I enjoy doing and am passionate about.”
When asked about their favorite part of the play, Maldonado said “when Mr. Arbuthnot and Ms. Debenham are kissing, and out of nowhere, McQueen breaks in.” For Vencer, her favorite part about the production is the different characters. “They are all so unique and so entertaining… It’s so interesting to see how they interact with each other and how each of them fits into the bigger picture of this mystery” she said.
The shows’ audiences praised the production. Freshman Joyce Carmona’s liked the scene in the play “when all the characters gathered to listen to detective Hercule Poirot’s conclusion of the murder.” As for sophomore Lila Lemus, she was unable to pick a specific moment since “all the play’s plot by itself was fun and very captivating.” Lemus continued, saying she was impressed by the high-quality performance and production. She said that the audience was responsive to the humor and the more intense scenes.
Overall, the play succeeded with audience approval. Cast members encouraged students to audition for upcoming plays. “I promise the audition process is not nearly scary as you think it is, and you get the opportunity to work with truly amazing people. Don’t let your fear of trying to make you miss out on some great opportunities,” Vencer said. Maldonado said that performing [for a play] “truly helps you to develop a bunch of different skills that you might not know you had or could develop even more.”
For more information about upcoming productions, follow the University’s Music & Theatre Instagram page: @jbumt
(Photo courtesy of Anna Palacios / The Threefold Advocate)