A classic mystery brought to life

St. Boniface

Charleswood

Rockwood

West End

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This article was published 02/10/2024 (397 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There’s nothing like a good whodunit.

That’s why Hood & Dagger Productions, an upstart local community theatre troupe, is bringing Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None to the stage at the Martial-Caron Theatre at Université de Saint-Boniface (200 de la Cathedrale Ave.) from Nov. 7 to 10. Featuring a cast and crew of local actors and crew members with a wide range of experience, And Then There Were None builds off the foundation the company laid with its inaugural show, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, which ran earlier this spring.

“Every rehearsal is exciting,” said Robin Grant, a Charleswood resident who plays secretary Vera Claythorne.

“It will be amazing to see everyone’s hard work — the acting, the lighting, the sound, the set, the props, the costumes — all pulled together for the dress rehearsal. You’ll be fascinated by all the small details that have been considered and you’ll be hard-pressed not to take on the role of detective as you watch.”

“I’m very excited to hear the audiences’ reactions and theories to the story of our play,” said Tom Brooks, a St. Boniface resident who plays Capt. Philip Lombard. “It is a murder-mystery after all; and there is a lot of mystery, intrigue and scandal, which audiences will love.”

“I love the mystery and magic happening on and off stage, which adds to the suspense,” added stage manager Sandri van Wyk. “Whether you know the story, are familiar with the plot or not, this intriguing tale of 10 people enticed to an infamous island, where things go seriously awry, is entertaining, thrilling and mysterious. There are some witty inside jokes, snide sarcasm, maybe a murder or two, and some serious stage-magic coming your way.”

The show marks the second in Hood & Dagger’s inaugural season, with a third — Gossip, by Canadian playwright George F. Walker — coming in March 2025. Community partners for the show include Whodunit? Mystery Bookstore, Ô-Tours, and Promenade Brasserie. Founded by husband-and-wife duo and Charleswood residents Brian and Crystal Hood, the company aims to build community through collaboration and providing opportunity for folks to experience theatre.

“Who you are as a person and the skills you have are valued are Hood & Dagger,” said Scott Angus, who plays Sir Lawrence Wargrave. The West End resident described himself as a relative newcomer to performing on stage. “This is such a welcoming team that treats people right and makes great art while they’re at it.”

“Brian and Crystal are talented at building these communities where people are drawn into a group, can work hard to achieve something incredible, and leave with new friends, a sense of satisfaction and achievement for a job well done,” said van Wyk, who also described herself as Rockwood resident and a relative newcomer to the theatre world. “I wanted to meet new people and be part of something uplifting and fun. I am incredibly grateful every single day that I get to work with such amazing people.”

A portion of gate proceeds from And Then There Were None will be donated to Winnipeg Pet Rescue. Following its first production, Hood & Dagger was able to donate over $3,000 towards costs of repairing the roof at Westminster United Church. The ability to give back is aided by both show and season sponsors helping to cover costs of production. Show sponsors for And Then There Were None include McMunn and Yates, Print Pro, OMG! Candy, and Safeway, while season sponsors include Winnipeg Kinsmen, Palliser Furniture, Johnson Group, and Assiniboine Credit Union.

And Then There Were None will run at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 7 to 9, as well as 3:30 p.m. matinee showings on Nov. 9 and 10. For more information, or to purchase tickets, which are $25, visit hoodanddagger.ca