Steven Dietz’s world premiere play ‘Peril in the Alps‘ based on Agatha Christie’s beloved Hercule Poirot is masterclass in comedy at Laguna Playhouse.
Brian Mackey, Valerie Larsen, Amanda Sitton, Gabbie Adner, Christopher M. Williams and Omri Schein star in the Laguna Playhouse production of ‘Peril in the Alps‘, written and directed by Steven Dietz and now playing at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. Photo Credit: Jason Niedle/TETHOS
Every so often, a show barrels onto the stage with such wit, precision, and joy that it feels like a seismic theatrical event. ‘Peril in the Alps‘, now playing at Laguna Playhouse, is exactly that—a world premiere victory. Steven Dietz’s incredibly funny take on Hercule Poirot doesn’t just entertain; it conquers.
Dietz, who also directs, follows up his hit ‘Murder on the Links‘ with a fresh, fast-paced mystery-comedy that crackles with energy. Inspired by Agatha Christie’s ‘Poirot Investigates‘, this latest Poirot tale hurtles the famed Belgian detective into the snowbound Swiss Alps to unravel a kidnapping before it escalates into murder. But the real suspense? How long until the next burst of laughter.
‘Peril in the Alps‘ honors Christie’s world that will delight diehard fans of her work, while gleefully reinventing it for a new audience that just might pick up her books to see where Dietz’ got his inspiration.
Omri Schein was born to play Hercule Poirot. Every twitch, every limp, every exasperated sigh is timed to perfection. He’s meticulous, magnetic, and riotously funny. Valerie Larsen plays the eternally earnest Captain Hastings with a dry, understated brilliance, grounding the chaos around them with impeccable comedic timing. Together, they are the heartbeat of the show, as Poirot’s flair meets with Hastings’ deadpan calm.
The ensemble give a knockout performance. Gabbie Adner (Woman Two) masterfully juggles multiple roles, including a pair of mischievous twin sisters who assist Poirot in foiling the villains. Brian Mackey (Man Two) is hilarious and heartfelt as both a bumbling rookie detective and a not-so-bright heavy. Amanda Sitton (Woman One) shifts effortlessly from seductive black widow to French haberdasher, each character more outrageous than the last. Christopher M. Williams (Man One) is magnetic and slippery, playing a stone mason, a mastermind, and everything in between with razor-sharp versatility.
Marty Burnett’s scenic design is a quiet marvel, deceptively simple and endlessly transformative. From a cluttered office to a chilly Alpine lodge, each transition is seamless. Elisa Benzoni’s costumes are nothing short of stunning, helping define character after character with style and clarity. If I ever decide to upgrade my wardrobe, I’m calling her first.
Dietz’s direction is confident, clever, and unrelenting in its pace. The laughs come fast, the mystery unfolds cleverly, and the tone, an elegant dance between absurdity and suspense, is pitch perfect. It’s no wonder Dietz remains one of the “20 Most Produced Playwrights in America,” as named by American Theatre Magazine for the 2024–25 season.
‘Peril in the Alps‘ runs from now through June 29, 2025, at Laguna Playhouse.
To purchase tickets for ‘Peril in the Alps‘ at Laguna Playhouse visit: https://purchase.lagunaplayhouse.com/ or call the box office at (949) 497-2787.
Laguna Playhouse is located at:
606 Laguna Canyon Rd.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Summary
‘Peril in the Alps‘ is the kind of theatrical experience we crave; brilliantly written, superbly acted, and fiercely funny. It’s a night of laughter, charm, and intelligent fun that honors Christie’s world while gleefully reinventing it.
