“Afternoon at the Seaside,” a student-led one-act play written by mystery novelist Agatha Christie, was performed at Kent State March 31 and April 1. 

The play was put together by Curtain Call, an organization that produces student-run theatre productions to give students outside of the School of Theatre and Dance more opportunities to pursue theatre as a hobby.  

While remaining deeply rooted in its mystery aspect, “Afternoon at the Seaside” takes on a satirical approach. Originally published in 1985, the play follows 12 characters at a British resort, who are all suspects in Inspector Foley’s mission to locate a stolen emerald necklace.  

This play was led and produced entirely by Kent State students. One of them is Cara Myers, a second-year art education major at Kent State. Myers plays Noreen, one of the 12 characters in the show.  

“I’ve been doing theatre since I was kid, so whenever I heard about Curtain Call, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is my opportunity,’’’ Myers said. “I get to do theatre again. I’m so excited.”  

The play is a bold new step for Curtain Call, as it’s not something they’ve done before. 

“I thought it was a really good play,” Hailey Strnad, director of the play and founder and president of Curtain Call said. “I just saw potential in it.”  

Strnad chose the play as an avid fan of Agatha Christie.

“This is very unlike her other stuff because it’s actually more comedy-based,” she said. 

The play is also a great way for those involved to build community; the cast and crew are all very tightly knit, Myers said. 

“I think it’s really inspiring honestly, how they have come together and organized such a well-done show,” Myers said.  

Myers also said it’s fun learning a British accent for the show and having another student as a director.  

“It doesn’t feel like ‘This is my director, and they’re this large being that I’m not allowed to have a relationship with,’” she said.  

Similarly, Strnad said that her favorite part of directing has been her cast and how they have been taking an interesting direction with their roles.  

“They are so amazing,” she said. “Seeing their growth from when they first auditioned in January to now is spectacular, and I can’t wait to see them grow through tech week even more.”  

Myers hopes the audience has a fun time and believes the production is a way of bringing together both the theater community and the audience. 

“It is truly a hilarious show,” Myers said. “I think the way the people in the cast’s choices and the way they act it out has truly made it so hilarious.”  

In addition to praising the comedy, Strnad sees the play as a valuable platform for the actors to demonstrate their abilities.

“You can always learn something from a show, but this is just sort of a silly little performance to showcase an actor’s ability and talent,” Strnad said. “So, I’m really hoping they’re able to see the potential and talent that these actors possess.”  

Nicholas Keller is a reporter. You can contact him at [email protected].