BROOKFIELD - And Then There Were None, an Agatha Christie story in production at The Brookfield Theatre for the Arts, is full of humor and intrigue. Under the debut direction turn by Kate Valiska, this tale leaves the audience guessing until the very last, very surprising moment.

Who is knocking off the ten little Indians stranded on an isolated island? No spoilers here. You'll have to go see a performance to find out for yourself.

Here's what can be told: After having accepted invitations to the Soldier Island home of someone they have never met, ten strangers find themselves in some very bad weather and treacherous conditions indeed. Just as in the Ten Little Indians poem, diabolically read anonymously at the opening, one by one, these guests meet their demise.

The only "residents" of the home are its housekeeper and her daughter, Mrs and Miss Rogers, played by Barbara Disraeli and Nicole Veach. They are relatively new to their positions, and are found preparing for the weekend gathering of guests.

The guests have been shipped to the island by worthy seaman Fred Narracott (Rick Haylon). The first to arrive is the dashing Philip Lombard (Anthony Contento), escorting one lovely Vera Claythorne (Alexis Willoughby). Mr Lombard jumped ahead of the other guests for some alone time with Ms Claythorne, whom he pursues and seduces throughout.

The remaining guests arrive separately and consist of a disparate group who eventually all come to suspect each other, until they, too, are dead. Ted Schwartz plays Mr Davis/William Henry Blore, an animated possible military man with some detective experience.

Blustering and controlling attorney Justice Lawrence Wargrave is played by Daniel Patterson. Karl Hinger is Anthony Marston, a delightful young socialite and playboy in the making, and Barbara Kessler is a sinister Ms Emily Brent.

Ron Malyszka portrays the earnest Dr Edward Armstrong. Rounding out this fun cast is the fumbling, narcoleptic General John MacKenzie (Jeff Rossman).

They all have something in common, a guilty conscience about something in their past which makes them vulnerable. What could it be?

This is an energetic cast, telling its story with wit and verve.

Leading man Anthony Conteneto is superb with his swagger, charisma, and considerable acting skill. His charming lady, Alexis Willoughby, gives an elegant performance in true old school style. The entire cast is wonderfully committed to their characters, in the midst of this murderous weekend.

Ms Valiska has done an excellent job of staging this piece with many players on a small stage. Their movement is effortless and organic.

The costumes and hair, by Marian Miller, Bill Possidento, and Beverly Regan, are perfection, as is the elegant and sophisticated set by Andrew Okell and Robert Lane.

The Brookfield Theater for the Arts is a beautiful venue and a wonderful place to sit back, relax, and be thoroughly caught up in the mystery that unfolds. Go see what happens, when there are none.

(This production will continue for just one more weekend, with performances Friday and Saturday evenings, until March 19. 

Call 203-775-0023 or visit brookfieldtheatre.org for reservations and additional information. The theater is at 184 Whisconier Road, behind Brookfield Library.)

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