author: Kenny Sigal
Was it the husband? The Ex-Girlfriend? The Steward? The only way to find out is to come to Artistic Synergy of Baltimore and check out this 1940s classic Whodunnit mystery that is Murder on The Nile. Written by Agatha Christie, and directed by Jim Morgan, this classic follows a newlywed couple on their honeymoon cruise filled with relaxation, refreshments, and murder. With a perfectly selected cast of experienced actors, this production is sure to keep you guessing for the entire show.
In preparation for this show, Director Jim Morgan both watched the film and read the book “Death on the Nile.” With his production team of Associate Director Lou Otero, and Stage Manager Kathy Case, this team takes all the challenging work of these performers to a whole new level.
Kristen Demers highlights her acting abilities as she portrays the self-centered pompous Miss Ffoliot-ffoulkes. Playing her niece Christina Grant is the soft-spoken Emily Talmadge. The pairing of the bossy and whiny Demers with the quiet shyness of Talmadge makes this duo entertaining enough that they could be their own side show.
Kay Mostyn (Emily Skeens) is a natural talent on the stage and her years of experience shines through in every scene she is in. Opposite Skeens is the talented Tate Erickson with his character Simon Mostyn. Erickson has quite a number of moments in this show where his ability to portray some deeper emotion really stand out amongst his peers, and it was quite refreshing to see. Also on board is Canon Pennefather (Eliyahu Kheel), Uncle to Kay. Kheel’s character is quite easily one of the more prominent figures on the stage during the performance and echoes the talent level of Erickson with his ability to truly make you feel the intended emotion on stage.
The main characters are rounded out by Jacqueline De Severac, played by the incredibly talented Sarah O’Hara. From the moment we meet her character she brings to life the desperation, anger, and bit of crazy that perfectly fits this role. Also, on board we have the amazing Tim Evans as Dr Bessner, James Lefkowitz as Smith, Rachel Patek as Louise, Sophia Marie Basso as Steward, and Shayna Greenblatt as Beadseller & McNaught. With this many amazing performers on one stage, one this is for sure, you are going to keep on guessing until the end.
Any good production requires a team of equally amazing people to make it happen. Cue Costume Designer Melissa Patek, whose choice of outfits look like they came right out of the 1940s. You cannot have a time-period production without the proper dialect. For this they tapped into the talent and guidance of Dialect Coach Anthony Case, and it is evident in every cast member of this show that he knows his stuff. Between the prim and proper accent of Ffoliot-ffoulkes, the comical Dr. Bessner with his “in-yect-shuns,” and Smith with a style of accent and mannerisms that seemed reminiscent of the great Davy Jones, it is apparent that this cast took every bit of help they could get. Sans a few minor miscues with lighting, the lighting designer Ryan Jones worked seamlessly with Sound Designer Divya Singh to make sure every element of this show was taken to its full potential.
Show days and times are Friday 10/17 and Saturday 10/18 at 8pm, and Sunday 10/19 at 3pm. Prices are $20 for adults, $19 for seniors, and $16 for children 10 and under.
Running Time: 2 hours and 40 minutes with one intermission
Murder on the Nile plays through October 19th 2025 with Artistic Synergy of Baltimore at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church— 8212 Philadelphia Road in Rosedale, MD. Tickets are available at the door or in advance online.