The Back Alley

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd put Agatha Christie on the map as one of the world's greatest mystery writers...

Venice, the enchanting city of canals and architectural marvels, inspired many artists, writers, and theater makers. Its unique beauty and romantic aesthetic provide a captivating backdrop for storytelling. In our production of The Servant of Two Masters, Venice's charm and atmosphere play a significant role in transporting audiences to the world of the play.

We sat down with Brandon Weinbrenner, our Associate Producer and Casting Director to talk about the casting process within our Resident Acting Company for our upcoming Summer Chills show, Agatha Christie's: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. Here is what Brandon had to say regarding the process and consideration that was taken to craft this marvelous story! 

In the uproarious world of The Servant of Two Masters, the iconic commedia dell'arte masks take center stage, adding a unique layer of charm and character. The masks worn in the Alley’s production by Pantalone de'Bisognosi, Dottore Lombardi, Brighella, and Truffaldino are beautifully hand-crafted from wood and leather by the talented Antonio Fava.

Commedia dell'arte has impacted modern pop culture tremendously. From the stock characters to the exaggerated physicality, roots of commedia dell’arte can be seen in many movies and TV shows.

When you hear the name Agatha Christie, you immediately think of whodunnits. Christie has become a legend in the genre for her captivating plots, iconic characters, and just enough clues to make the audience think they have solved the mystery right before serving an unforgettable plot twist.

I can hardly contain my excitement in sharing with Houston audiences my two greatest passions: commedia dell’arte and the city of Venice. Commedia dell’arte is a form of drama that originated in Italy from 1550-1750 featuring stock characters wearing masks and improvised comedic bits called lazzi (from the same root as the word lasso because they tie the play together). Cartoons, sitcoms, and the comedies of Shakespeare, Molière, and Goldoni all have their roots in commedia dell’arte.