"The Stranger"

July 28, 2023 — The Barnstormers Theatre in Tamworth, New Hampshire, has presented many Agatha Christie plays in its 93 years, and does them better than anyone. Many are repeated every few years, but they had never staged The Stranger before, and I had never seen nor heard of it. It's one of Christie's early plays based on her short story Philomel Cottage, a psychological thriller.

The play is relatively short with a small cast, but the Barnstormers included an intermission because its regulars would be disappointed if they couldn't take a break and purchase chocolate chip cookies and lemonade, as well as "adult" drinks.

In a beautifully-constructed flat (thanks to scenic designer Gaya Chatterjee), Enid (Aimee Doherty) is confiding to her friend Doris (Darien Crago) that her years-long engagement to Dick (John Long) seems it may never end. Mrs. Huggins, the maid (Cheryl Mullings, one of my favorite Barnstormers regulars) announces a stranger will be coming to see a flat that evening. Only a maid, Mullings still gets plenty of stage time, and even gets to briefly demonstrate her operatic soprano voice.

The stranger, Gerald Strange (Robert St. Laurence), is greeted on arrival by Enid. She's so instantly smitten by him she can't hide it, and he seems equally enthralled by her. Their conversation quickly turns flirtatious. The very next day, Enid breaks the news to Dick that she can't marry him, there's somone else. He takes the news stoically and leaves.

Act II opens in the completely new setting of the living room of a cottage in the country, again thanks to designer Chatterjee and the production staff. Enid and Gerald have been living here for three months. Another maid, Mrs. Birch, is also played by Mullings in different dress and personality. When questioned by Enid about Gerald, she cryptically states that you never know what men may do.

Enid begins to find disturbing things about Gerald. A collection of books about crime, a locked desk, and what happens when the clock strikes 9. You can see the beginnings of Dame Agatha's style of vague hints, offset by red herrings, that were hallmarks of her work. Enid and Gerald's relationship dissolves into accusations, screaming, threats and physical violence.

This is not a play that ends neatly with all the loose ends tied up. You leave asking yourself, "Now what did I just witness?" You're left to reach your own conclusions. If you see it, let me know what your conclusions are, and I'll tell you  mine.

Dan Winerman directed this production, Deirdre Benson was production stage manager and Sara MacIntyre her assistant. Lily Bitner designed props and Kevin Dunn lighting. Chelsie Cartledge-Rose designed costumes and Kimberly O'Loughlin sound. Violence coordinator? Fight Captain? Wow! Those were the responsibilities of Robert St. Laurence who played Gerald. So now you know this wasn't just another English play of manners.