By Crystal Hayduk
“Murder on the Links” is the latest can’t-miss comedy on the stage at the Purple Rose Theatre Company (PRTC).
Belgian private detective Hercule Poirot, arguably novelist Agatha Christie’s most famous character, receives a letter from Paul Renauld requesting assistance. Poirot travels as speedily as 1923 methods allow to Merlinville-Sur-Mer in France to help. But when Poirot and his assistant, Captain Hastings, arrive, they instead find Renauld’s body in a hastily dug grave on a golf course. Now at the center of a complex whodunit with many suspects, Poirot must find the murderer—with or in spite of Hastings.
One of the many notable aspects of this play is that only six actors portray a variety of characters. Alongside the two leads, the other four actors impressively meet the challenge of rapidly changing parts, costumes, and accents to fully immerse themselves in whoever they need to be.
Bill Simmons returns to PRTC, portraying classic Poirot as Christie’s readers know him, with his meticulous appearance and attention to detail.
With 13 previous PRTC roles under her belt, Caitlin Cavannaugh gender-bends the role of Captain Hastings, proving her ability to convincingly play any role she is cast in. Hastings also serves as narrator, frequently breaking the fourth wall to bring the audience right into the story.
Ruth Crawford (Woman One), Ashley Wickett (Woman Two), and John Seibert (Man One) have all graced the PRTC stage in recent seasons. With such talent at living their characters, you may be hard-pressed to remember exactly when you’ve seen them before, but their program bios will jog your memory.
John Bernos (Man Two) comes to PRTC for the first time, with a variety of acting credits from LA to NYC. His impressive dance skills are sheer delight.
David Bendena, known to local audiences for his acting in 13 previous PRTC productions, does an amazing job with this cast and this show in his directing debut. In his program notes, Bendena shares a bit of history. He said Christie’s mystery writing began 110 years ago when her sister dared her to write a good detective story. Christie took up the challenge and four years later, her first mystery was published. Since then, she has become known as the “Queen of Crime” and to this day, is the best-selling fiction writer of all time.
Playwright Steven Dietz has adapted Christie’s third novel, “The Murder on the Links” (1923) into a mystery filled with action, shenanigans, and drama. His previous plays at PRTC include “More Fun than Bowling,” and “Honus & Me.” Dietz is an award-winning playwright whose works have been produced around the country and internationally. In the 2024-25 theatre season, he was named one of the 20 Most Produced Playwrights in America by “American Theatre Magazine.
The set and property design team of Brian Dambacher and Danna Segrest used their creative skills to put together scenes and pieces that actors can move seamlessly, without disrupting the flow of the story.
Robert W. Hubbard, sound designer, used music reminiscent of the 1920s to add a nuanced feel for the time and place during the prelude, while shifting the music to overtly fun when needed.
Even though mysteries aren’t a frequent genre for my personal reading, I loved this play. Seeing it has inspired me to add an Agatha Christie novel to my “want to read” list and make a plan to give this author a try.
Go see “Murder on the Links.” Keep your eyes and ears wide open, because you won’t want to miss a second of this spirited and riotous mystery.
Content advisory: This production contains adult content and may not be suitable for children under 13.
At a Glance: Murder on the Links
- What: Michigan premiere murder mystery comedy; performance with one 15-minute intermission.
- When: Now playing through May 31.
- Where: The Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park Street, Chelsea
- Playwright: Steven Dietz
- Director: David Bendena
- Cast: John Bernos, Caitlin Cavannaugh, Ruth Crawford, John Seibert, Bill Simmons, and Ashley Wickett
- Designers: Set by Brian Dambacher, properties by Danna Segrest, costumes by Suzanne Young, lighting by Matt Taylor, and sound by Robert W. Hubbard
- Production staff: Stage manager – Stefanie Din, assisted by Caridad Guy; managing director – Katie Hubbard
- Tickets: Available online at The Purple Rose Theatre Company or by calling the box office at 734-433-7673. If a performance is sold out, you may join a waiting list by calling the box office.
About the Purple Rose Theatre Company
Founded in 1991 by actor, director, playwright, musician, and Chelsea native Jeff Daniels, The Purple Rose Theatre Company is a professional, unionized theatre and creative home for local Michigan artists to produce original American plays. At the PRTC, patrons experience an intimate encounter with live theatre.
Continuing this season, The Purple Rose is leading with smart comedy: plays that allow audiences to feel good, laugh, and just maybe get a message out of it too.
