The Unexpected Guest by Agatha Christie Ferndale Repertory Theatre January 1997 Directed by Patrick Spike Set by Tom Roscoe Lights by Joe Collins Costumes by Denise Ryles-Romei

"Whodunit fans are sure to enjoy The Unexpected Guest now showing at the Ferndale Repertory Theatre.  Mystery fans will revel in this perfectly staged play and chance to match wits with Christie at her best.   But you don't have to love mystery to enjoy this lovely period piece and the superb acting."
- Christine Sackey, Humboldt Beacon

"By the time all the characters are assembled in the study - an inspired, stunning, beautifully-blocked scene by Director Patrick Spike - for the accusations (not mere suggestions), it's anybody's guess.   This is delicious, perfect Christie.  Everything in this production... especially an amusing convincing cast, add up to hit entertainment.  See it!"
- Barry Blake, Times-Standard

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Concept Statement, The Unexpected Guest updated May 5th, 1999

Introduction

I was contacted by Ferndale Repertory Theatre to come and talk about directing a show for them. I accepted the job of directing The Unexpected Guest knowing that I would be directing this production on my off time from rehearsals for Into the Woods, in which I was performing the role of the Baker.

Concept & Goals

Theme

Rampant deception will destroy the innocent.

Concept Metaphor

This is a world built on a need for power/control where the people in it are as animals, struggling to avoid the hunter’s ‘traps’; to stay out of his ‘sights.’ Now that the hunter is gone, the people left behind fumble, they do not trust, and they become the hunters themselves, as well as the hunted.

Design Elements

Set: With the realism of the Christie script as well as the assigned period and location of the play, this world needs to reflect the murdered Richard Warburton. It must loom, overshadow, engulf. His strong and dark presence still permeates this environment, and the staring trophies on the walls have become his eyes, always watching.

Lights: This is a world of secrets, deception, hidden feelings, hidden facts. The environment should reflect this in the shadowed corners, shaded lights and smoldering light colors.

Costume: Must express the realism of the weather, the characters positions, the conservative nature of the characters lives, while also subtly shading the characters with each’s attitudes and fears.

Sound: The music and effects must push forward, unyielding, relentless.

Makeup/Hair: Period, naturalistic, simple

Challenges and Approach

My primary obstacle and goal in this production is to bring the depth of character to this mystery/drama that it deserves. So often Christie and writers of similar stature are seen as easy projects, formulaic, staid. Instead, I want to work with the actors to dig deep into the motivations and psyches of these individuals to bring the play to life in a multi-layered way. We have to build the tension, define the lines of the mystery unfolding so as to lead the audience through the clues, plot twists and revelations. I want to bring this play to life off the page, not simply create a museum piece.

Outcome

I am very satisfied with this production in its completion. The actors all rose to the occasion and got very excited about the work I set out for them. They all worked very hard to unravel their characters and to discover them as 3 dimensional individuals. I feel the production as a whole succeeded in guiding the audience as I set out to do and held them at every detail the way a good mystery/drama should. The production was one of the most successful of the season for the theatre and much later is still touted as many audience members favorite show they’ve seen at Ferndale Repertory Theatre.