By Eliza Een
The play Murder by the Book, written by Duncan Greenwood and Robert King, depicts an evening of mischief and premeditation involving crime fiction writer Selwyn Piper and our potential suspects. The characters under suspicion are Mr. Piper’s secretary, Christine Scott; his separated wife, Imogen Piper; his new neighbor, Peter Fletcher; and his publisher, John Douglas. The surprise twist at the end of the first half will have you wondering if it’s really a crime at all!
Selwyn Piper is an egotistical but brilliant writer, and Adam M. Argyle plays the role with the right level of aloofness. Argyle’s performance is Sherlockian in its balance between the likable and arrogant parts of his character. Christine Scott keeps pace with her boss, and Annika Mikkelson gives a sense of innocence that allows for a more lighthearted tone overall. Her humanizing reactions act as a foil for the audience as events unfold in the play.
Andy Morgan’s Imogen Piper is a drama queen from start to finish, with the flair, style, and looks that could kill. She lives up to expectations as Selwyn’s ex with delightful and cutting banter that makes it clear why they got together in the first place and why they should be kept apart now. Marc Haddock plays John Douglas, the bumbling publisher who isn’t too quick on the uptake. As the plot thickens and Douglas finds himself in hot water, Haddock makes a delightful show of unraveling the calm exterior that he held for so long.
Peter Fletcher (Kobe Black) is the unknown quotient in this equation, which keeps the other characters on their toes as new details are revealed and secrets are divulged. Black’s charisma and charm allow him to work his way into the middle of the fray with a hint of smugness that is the Yin to Argyle’s yang, and balances their sleuthing scenes.
The cast plays off of each other splendidly and has good comedic timing, which is crucial with so few characters onstage and a credit to Lynne D. Bronson’s direction. The broader crew and staff does an excellent job in creating the set (Elise Lacanienta), lighting (Pam Cluff), and costuming (Elizabeth Crandall) to compliment the characters and make the audience feel at home in the blackbox theater.
Just in time for spooky season, this production is funny and intellectual and best suited for an audience of teens and adults. The bookish play is a delightful tangle of characters and events that keeps the audience invested in the unexpected outcome. The thoughtfully crafted program is complete with an in-program glossary to make the elevated language more accessible. Come along for the ride with every twist, counterplot, and climax with Murder by the Book in Provo, UT.
The Covey Center presents Murder by the Book, written by Duncan Greenwood and Robert King
The Covey Center for the Arts, 425 W Center St, Provo, UT 84601
September 22-October 15, M,/Th/F/S at 7:30 PM
Tickets: $14–16
Phone: 801-852-7007
Covey Center Website
Covey Center Facebook Page
Murder by the Book Facebook Event
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