'Murder on the Nile' on stage at Sonoma Valley High

The Agatha Christie favorite, “Murder on the Nile,” will be staged by Sonoma Valley High School’s drama department beginning this weekend. The production is directed by Jane Martin and Janine Duma and runs Jan. 19 to 28.

“Blackmail, bullets and bodies follow a young couple on their honeymoon cruise along the Nile,” Martin explains.

“This sharp-edged Christie whodunit set in 1948 will keep you in suspense while the luxury steamer travels up the Nile River filled with its eccentric characters.”

When one character turns up dead, everything is not what it seems, and the rest of the passengers are drawn into a web of intrigue and deceit as they all become suspects.

As has become common in local plays, most roles are dual-cast. Simon Mostyn is played by Jackson Zyskowski and Dominic Garcia; Kay Ridgeway is played by Mia Benstead and Natalya Crawford; Jacqueline de Severac is played by Ellie Proctor, and Aliya Blinman; the maid Louise is played by Madeline Jaycox and Tessla Carlsson; matron Miss ffoliot-ffoukes is played by Kaileigh Hingtgen, Madison Ellis and Lauren Smith; her niece Christina is played by Claire McNairy and Ivy O’Donnell; socialist Smith is played by Eric Serbicki and Cian Martin; Kay’s guardian Lady Canon Pennefather is played by Siobhan Hernandez and Rene Rodriguez; and the doctor is played by Tristan Padovan and Annie Robachaud.

The play also features Alyona O’Brien, Dean Szanyi, Mickey Abate, Andie Raffaini, Ivy McNeill and Leslie Santoyo. Stage crew members are Alan Echeverria and Magaly Aguilar.

Performances will be on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 19, 20, 26 and 27 at 7 p.m. and matinee performances will be on Sunday, Jan. 21 and 28 at 2 p.m.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children, students, seniors and active military. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Reader’s Books at 130 E. Napa St., Pharmaca at 303 W. Napa St. and the Student Activities Office at SVHS. Tickets may also be purchased at the Little Theater Box Office 30 minutes prior to curtain.