‘Vicarage’ Murder Is a Slow Death

The Long Beach Playhouse’s “Murder at the Vicarage” has a decent enough payoff. Like any self-respecting whodunit, this one tosses out an obvious suspect or two and then brings in a big curtain-closing surprise in which all is revealed.

Sure, the ending of “Murder,” which was based on an Agatha Christie novel, isn’t bad. Playwrights Charles and Barbara Toy understand the genre, and most people probably will be kept wondering until the last lines of dialogue are delivered.

The problem with this production is getting there. Director Hugh Harrison dawdles over every element and speech by the handful of characters, some of whom are interesting, others less colorfully defined. Except for a few brisk moments, you feel every minute of this 2 1/2-hour-long show.

The setup for “Murder” is pretty standard for this type of thing. A not-so-likable guy called Col. Protheroe is found murdered in his study, then family, friends and enemies are questioned by a bright but (of course) misleadingly plodding detective.

There are plenty who could have done the deed, starting with the colonel’s wife, the sleek Anne, and his naturally suspicious daughter, the randy Lettice. Then there’s the robust playboy-artist, Lawrence (he’s having an affair with Anne), and the shifty-eyed adolescent, Dennis. You can pretty much rule out the Rev. Clement, the vicar whose home everyone gathers in to be grilled.

*

While the acting isn’t bad, the lazy pacing ruins any suspense that might build and give the final scene more punch. Most whodunits are talky affairs when characters confront each other and provide tidbits about themselves, but “Murder” is especially gabby, which doesn’t help with Harrison’s ambling approach.

The best performances come from Bryan C. Grosman, who brings an eyebrow-arching streak of humor to Lawrence, and Mary O’Brien and her snooty portrayal of Miss Marple, the neighborhood busybody who helps put the clues together. Gordon Marhoefer is steady but bland as the vicar, as is James Rice as the deliberate Inspector Slack.

As for the production’s look, it’s serviceable. Steven Jay Warner evokes the sort of dusty-musty atmosphere of an English estate without any invention. Michelle Evans’ simple lighting is also standard issue, meaning it doesn’t bring any dramatic flourishes to the proceedings.

* “Murder at the Vicarage,” Long Beach Playhouse Mainstage, 5021 E. Anaheim St.. Fridays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Feb. 11, 2 p.m.. Ends Feb. 17. $10. (310) 494-1616. Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes.

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Gordon Marhoefer: Rev. Clement

Trisha Melynkov: Griselda

Philip Rhys: Dennis

Ric Watson: Ronald

Bonnie M. Mikoleit: Mary

Sue M. Heaton: Lettice

Mary O’Brien: Miss Marple

Sandy Yates Hall: Mrs. Ridley

Kameron Forrester: Anne

Bryan C. Grosman: Lawrence

Paul Teschke: John

James Rice: Inspector Slack

Warren T. Harker: Col. Protheroe

A Long Beach Playhouse production of Charles and Barbara Toy’s play adapted from an Agatha Christie novel. Directed by Hugh Harrison. Set design by Steven Jay Warner. Lighting design by Michelle Evans. Costumes by Donna Fritsche. Stage manager Chris Barton.