ORINDA STRALIGHT VILLAGE PLAYERS opened its summer season Friday with Agatha Christie’s “Go Back for Murder,” featuring Starlight regular Ken Sollazzo as Justin Fogg, a kindly lawyer who helps a young woman to re-investigate the 16-year-old case of her father’s murder.

Laura Martin-Chapin takes on the dual roles of young Carla Crale and her mother Caroline. On Carla’s 21st birthday, she is presented with a letter from her late mother declaring her innocence in the case of her husband’s murder. Carla is understandably eager to prove her mother’s claim, so she asks Fogg to help her locate the people who were present at the scene of the crime, hoping that by asking each to recall the details of the event she can somehow sleuth out her father’s real murderer and clear her mother’s name.

Christie is famous for surprise twists, and “Go Back for Murder” does have its share. As each of several characters recalls the day of the murder from his or her own, unique point of view, a suspect pool grows and a few possible scenarios emerge.

Though some of Christie’s signature surprise elements are present in the play, “Go Back” doesn’t pack quite the punch of most of her other stories. Some misdirects are amateurishly plain, and the characters don’t seem to harbor any particularly intriguing secrets.

Despite the play’s relatively uneventful progression, though, the accomplished players in the Starlight production convey clear and interesting characters, and the conclusion is sufficiently surprising.

Jim Woodbury is well cast as Amyas Crale, the die-hard artist and ill-fated husband to Caroline. Amyas is so uninterested in anything going on outside of his own artistic pursuits that he never suspects that someone is out to do him in.
Margaret Gorrell brings a pleasant spunk into the action as his mistress, Lady Melksham. Gorrell is polished and confident in the role, seeming to evoke a stronger presence in the characters around her.

Chapin is also a particular strength in the production, especially in the role of Carla’s mother, Caroline. Caroline is the heart of the story, and Chapin brings plenty of heart to the role.

In fact, each of the actors succeeds in creating a character worthy of suspicion. What makes the quality of their performances all the more impressive is that the Starlight players are all volunteers, producing plays for the love of their art. We are fortunate to have this group of talented and dedicated artists in our greater community, presenting a long line of thoughtful and enjoyable productions.

The Starlight stage is beautifully situated, distinctly set apart within the surrounding community park. Especially during evening performances, when it’s too dark to see the neighboring playground, it feels much like a remote campground, including occasional participation from the local wildlife — some frisky fliers zoomed past the front of the stage during the production Friday.

The venue includes a small snack bar and restrooms, and seat cushions and blankets are provided for nighttime shows. It’s a lovely setting, well worth the trip from Benicia.

In case you miss “Go Back for Murder,” which runs through July 12, next up at Orinda Starlight is “Wrong Window” by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore. This tribute to Alfred Hitchcock tells the story of New York couple Marnie and Jeff, who think they spy their cross-courtyard neighbor do away with his wife. After they draw their torn curtain, the lady vanishes, and suspicion places murder beyond the shadow of a doubt. The bumbling witnesses sneak into their neighbor’s apartment — 39 steps away — and the fun begins. “Wrong Window” opens Aug. 1 and runs through Aug. 21.

If You Go
“Go Back for Murder” continues at the Orinda Community Center Park, 28 Orinda Way, Orinda through July 12. Tickets are available by calling 925-528-9225 or online at orsvp.org.

Elizabeth Warnimont is a freelance writer specializing in the performing arts. She is also a substitute teacher for the Benicia Unified School District.