PRESS RELEASE
Date:  April 5, 2005 
From:  Mary S. Lewis, Jacksonville College 

One little, two little, three little Indians—all of us are familiar with the ten little Indians nursery rhymes, but a far more intriguing “Ten Little Indians” begins on stage Friday, April 15 when Jacksonville College presents its spring production of Agatha Christie’s play of that name.  Based on the novel, And Then There Were None, the setting is a summer home on a small island off the coast of England.  The cast of ten (hence the ten little Indians) have gathered at the invitation of a mysterious host, Mr. Owen, whom none of them have met or seen before. 

Thus begins the intriguing mystery that unfolds through a one-by-one series of murders as each of the cast members tries to unravel what caused the deaths—and more complex and important—who will be the next to die? 

Directed by Mary Lewis, this production will feature an outstanding cast, mostly made up of graduating sophomores.  Casey Claiborne, who audiences will remember playing John Barrymore in our fall production I Hate Hamlet and the Stage Manager in Our Town, is playing Phillip Lombard.  Claiborne stated “The many different characters with odd backgrounds, brought together in an unusual situation makes for a really good mystery which no one should pass up.”  New to the stage at Jacksonville College, but an accomplished actress, Heather Coleman will be portraying Vera Claythorne.  Aaron Hanna, an accomplished actor who is joining us on stage for the first time in a Cross Act Company production is playing William Blore.  Josh Ross, who has been instrumental to the theater department in both technical and acting roles, will be playing Judge Wargrave.  Amy Curry, an outstanding singer and actor, will portray Emily Brent.  Hayley Childs, assistant director of I Hate Hamlet who is returning to the stage in this show playing Antonia Marsten stated, “This play should keep them guessing!”  Patti Mayo, a terrific character actor, who portrayed the real estate agent Felicia Dantine in I Hate Hamlet, is playing Dr. Armstrong.  Michael Johnson, who has been involved in student one act productions for the past two years, will be playing General McKenzie.  Two newcomers to the theater program, Kadi Russell and David Trawick will portray Mr. and Mrs. Rogers. 

Lewis commented, “We hope you will be perplexed, scared, baffled and entertained by this craftily-built mystery by the master story-teller, Agatha Christ.”  Assistant director is Jasmine Whisenant, who played Deidre McDavey in I Hate Hamlet.  Stage Manager is Krystal King, who was the agent Lillian Troy in Hate Hamlet.  Joining the department again after a hiatus of several shows is Elizabeth Enloe, who has acted as a consultant on both set and costumes.  The award winning set was originally designed by Enloe for a production at Lake Country Playhouse.  Sound technician is Erica Green, light technician is Jonathan Clark, and set/ costume design assistant is Molli Walker.  Other technical assistance is provided by the theater appreciation class and other Cross Act Company members. 

Tickets can be purchased from the book store or the business office at the school and are on sale now.  Call Mary Lewis at (903)589-2806 or email mlewis@jacksonville-college.edu for information about the production.  Tickets are $4.00 in advance and $5.00 at the door for students and $5.00 in advance and $6.00 at the door for adults.  Group ticket prices are available.