DETECTIVE HERCULE POIROT CONFRONTS
PERIL IN THE ALPS
A WORLD PREMIERE COMIC MYSTERY
AT NORTH COAST REPERTORY THEATRE
Written and Directed by Steven Dietz
Based on “Poirot Investigates” by Agatha Christie

NOW EXTENDED TO MAY 18TH!

Solana Beach, Calif. – The twin sister of Captain Hastings wife, Dulcie, has been kidnapped – and Hercule Poirot rightly expects not only extortion to follow, but murder! Using elements of Agatha Christie’s “Poirot Investigates,” Steven Dietz creates a sequel to his wildly popular Murder on the Links, taking us on a thrilling and dangerous trip to the snow-capped Alps, where the famed Belgian detective may finally meet his match. Six actors bring to life dozens of eccentric characters and clever suspects in this diabolically funny comic mystery. If you’re yearning for a good laugh, don’t miss it!

Steven Dietz directs Gabbie Adner, Valerie Larsen,* Brian Mackey,* Omri Schein,* Amanda Sitton,* and Christopher M. Williams* in PERIL IN THE ALPS. The Design Team includes Marty Burnett (Scenic Design), Matthew Novotny (Lighting Design), Elisa Benzoni (Costume Design), Rai Feltmann (Props Design, Rob Witmer (Composer & Sound Design), Grace Wong (Associate Costume Design), and Peter Herman (Hair & Wigs Design). Vernon Willett* is the Production Manager, and Annabelle Oellette, the Production Assistant.

*The actor or stage manager appears through the courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association.

PERIL IN THE ALPS previews begin on Wednesday, April 16. Opening Night is set for Saturday, April 19, at 8 pm. The play runs Wednesday, April 16, to Sunday, May 11, with performances on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7 pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 pm and Sundays at 7 pm. Added matinee performances at 2pm on Friday, April 18, and Wednesday, May 7. A talkback session with the cast is scheduled for April 25.

BIOS:

STEVEN DIETZ (Playwright/Director) At North Coast Rep: Murder on the Links (world premiere), This Random World, Bloomsday, Becky’s New Car, Dracula. For the ‘24-25 season, Dietz was once again named one of the “20 Most Produced Playwrights in America” by American Theatre Magazine. Recent and upcoming premieres include Gaslight (from Patrick Hamilton); and a new mystery/thriller, Vineland Place.  Dietz co-adapted his play Shooting Star into the movie “What Happens Later” – starring Meg Ryan. Awards include the Steinberg New Play Citation for Bloomsday; Kennedy Center New American Plays Award for both Fiction and Still Life with Iris; PEN-USA Award for Lonely Planet; and the Edgar Award® for Best Mystery Play for Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure.  Dietz has directed new work at Seattle Repertory Theatre, Northlight Theatre, ACT Theatre, Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, Denver Center Theatre Company, Merrimack Repertory Theatre, among many others. Previously a professor of playwriting and directing at UT/Austin, Dietz continues to teach master classes across the country. A native of Denver, Dietz and his wife, playwright Allison Gregory, divide their time between Austin and Seattle.

ALPHABETICAL ORDER

GABBIE ADNER (Woman Two) Is thrilled to be making her North Coast Rep debut in the World Premiere of Steven Dietz’ Peril in the Alps! She’s elated to be reprising her role, as Bella/Dulcie because last October, she played the same cunning twins in the International City Theatre’s production of Murder on the Links, directed by Todd Nielsen. Other credits in include: Desperate Measures (International City Theatre - LA Premiere), Belles are Swinging a New Musical (Presentations at La Mirada Theater and The Gary Marshall), Fetch (Scripts and Sips at the Colony Theater directed by Michael Donovan), Disney Cruise Line (F19/F23), Women of Zalongo (HB Playwright’s festival ’23 directed by Kari Hayter written by Maria Cominis) and many more. Huge thanks to the North Coast Rep artistic team, Steven Dietz, FSE, and her support system back home for their love and encouragement. Titans reach higher (CSUF MT BFA ‘20)! @gabbieadner www.gabbieadner.com

VALERIE LARSEN* (Captain Hastings) is so excited to be working on another world premiere! Regional Theater Selection: Clara, The Light in the Piazza at the Broad Santa Monica; Ring of Fire, ETC Santa Barbara & Tuacahn's Hafen Theatre; Hermione, A Sad Tale's Best for Winter, A Noise Within; Ensemble/Swing, Frozen Live at the Hyperion; Ensemble, Something Rotten at Musical Theater West. TV: Kathy in “Extreme Measures," Discovery+ Network. Her recent work also includes a Johnny Cash Tribute Concert and releasing her own EP of Johnny Cash Covers - 'Man in Black' - streaming everywhere!  Val teaches voice and instrumental lessons online, is a singer songwriter and dotes on her cat, Petra. Love and thanks to all of her music students, her family, dear friends, and partner for all their support! For more on Val you can find her on Instagram @thevallarsen, TikTok @thevallarsen1 or via her website thevallarsen.com.  

BRIAN MACKEY* (Man Two) is excited to use his little grey cells again. Select credits include: Murder on the Links, Ben Butler, Little Women, A Christmas Carol (North Coast Rep); Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, The Importance of Being Earnest, The Glass Menagerie, Travesties, The History Boys, A Christmas Carol (Cygnet Theatre); Outside Mullingar, Noises Off, Silent Sky, The Explorer’s Club, Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery (Lamb’s Players Theatre); The Humans, In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play (San Diego Repertory); Abundance, Smokefall (Backyard Renainsance); Baby with the Bathwater, The Little Dog Laughed (Diversionary Theatre); All My Sons, Hamlet, Enemy of the People (Intrepid Theatre); The Woolgatherer, Jack Goes Boating, In the Heat of the Night, All in the Timing (ion theatre); Romeo, Romeo and Juliet (Roustabouts Theatre); The Heidi Chronicles, Julius Ceasar (New Village Arts).

OMRI SCHEIN* (Hercule Poirot) is half of the musical theatre writing team of Lincoln and Schein of which their musicals include The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, The Remarkable Mister Holmes, Making Melrose, Grecian Burns, and Fintastic Finn. Other writing credits: Mambo Italiano the musical, Withering Heights, and Gary Goldfarb: Master Escapist (2013 NYMF Award Best Lyrics). Recent directing credits include Fiddler on The Roof and Anything Goes for San Diego Musical Theatre, Psycho Beach Party at Southwestern College and The Mousetrap at Grossmont College. As a performer: Murder On The Links (world premiere) Baskerville, Babette’s Feast, All In The Timing, A Funny Thing…ForumX3, Persuasion, Noises Off, The Explorer's Club, Beau Jest, Laughter On the 23rd Floor, Around The World in 80 Days, The Underpants, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling BeeX3, Five Course Love, The Big Bang, When Pigs Fly, Disney’s Beauty and The Beast, Dear World, The People Vs. Mona (Off-Broadway/Cast Recording), Hell’s Belles, Henry V, Grease (tour) and When You’re in Love, The Whole World Is Jewish directed by Jason Alexander. Member of AEA. www.omri-schein.com.

AMANDA SITTON* (Woman One) Selected theater credits include: Laughter on the 23rd Floor, Don’t Dress For Dinner, Collected Stories, Amy’s View (North Coast Rep), Present Laughter, Maple and Vine, Glass Menagerie, It’s A Wonderful Life (Cygnet Theater, Resident Artist) The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, The Humans, Oldest Boy, Road to Mecca, Doubt (SD Theatre Critics Circle Craig Noel Award Outstanding Featured Performance) A Christmas Carol (San Diego Rep),,  Comedy of Errors, Golden Boy (SD Theatre Critics Circle Craig Noel Award Outstanding Lead Performance) , Sailor’s Song (New Village Arts), Fair Use,  Twilight of the Golds, Torch Song Trilogy (Diversionary Theater), Ms. Sitton received her BA in Theatre from UCSD and is a proud member of Actors' Equity.

CHRISTOPHER M. WILLIAMS * (Man One) is a union actor and stage manager, director, producer, fight choreographer, designer, and instructor. Over the past twenty years, he has directed, stage managed or performed in nearly forty productions at North Coast Repertory Theatre. He spent time as Associate Artistic Director and Casting Director of NCRT following his duties as founding Artistic Director of Oceanside Theatre Company. Select credits include playing Nathan Rothschild in the original cast of the Off-Broadway production of Rothschild & Sons, opposite Robert Cuccioli; Hamlet On Trial with comedy legend Billy Connolly (Theatre League); The Drawer Boy and A Moon for the Misbegotten (AZ Theatre Company); Noises Off (Idaho Shakespeare Festival); Angels In America: Part I & II, Noises Off and Lobby Hero (Actors Theatre); Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet, Julius Caesar, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Oliver!, West Side Story, A Funny Thing…Forum (Southwest Shakespeare Company). Christopher served as producer, casting director, on-set acting coach, and post-art coordinator for the WWII feature “Walking With the Enemy,” starring Sir Ben Kingsley and Jonas Armstrong.

VERNON WILLET* (Production Stage Manager) is returning to North Coast Rep with this production of Peril in the Alps after having most recently helmed 2P4H,Tartuffe, Angel Next Door, Don’t Dress For Dinner and Murder on the Links here at North Coast Rep. Vernon’s work encompasses many of the Southern California theatres: the Laguna Playhouse, McCoy/Rigby Entertainment, Musical Theatre West, 3D Theatricals, the Rubicon Theatre, San Diego Musical Theatre, Theatre Aspen, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre and a myriad of others. He shares his life with award-winning director/choreographer/champion ballroom dancer/multiple hyphenate/entrepreneur Cate Caplin. Actors’ Equity Association member since 1983.

THOUGHT-PROVOKING THEATRICAL EXPEPRIENCE
AS NORTH COAST REPERTORY THEATRE MOUNTS
WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME
Written by Heidi Schrek
Directed by Shana Wride
February 26 - March 23, 2025

Solana Beach, Calif. - North Coast Repertory Theatre proudly presents WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME, a transformative theatrical experience that has captivated audiences nationwide. San Diego favorite Jacque Wilke* brings playwright Heidi Schreck's Tony-nominated, Pulitzer Prize finalist to vibrant life, weaving personal narrative with constitutional history in this critically acclaimed production. Through masterful storytelling and unexpected humor, the play invites audiences to examine America's founding document through a contemporary lens, creating an unforgettable evening of theater that resonates long after the final bow. This play has been produced all over the country and makes it  San Diego premiere at North Coast Rep, Runs February 26 through March 23.

Under the astute direction of Shana Wride, the exceptional cast features Jacque Wilke*, Andrew Oswald*, Genevieve Tai, and Em Danque. The production showcases the artistry of an accomplished design team: Marty Burnett (Scenic Design), Matthew Novotny (Lighting Design), Elisa Benzoni (Costume Design), Evan Eason (Sound Design), Audrey Casteris (Props Design), and Evelyn G. Myers* serves as Production Manager, with Ali Flores as Production Assistant and Ashton Botts as Dramaturg.

*The actor or stage manager appears through the courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association.

WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME previews begin on Wednesday, Feb. 26. Opening Night is set for Saturday, March 1, at 8 pm. The play runs Wednesday, Feb. 26, to Sunday, March 23, with performances on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7 pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 pm and Sundays at 7 pm. Added matinee performances at 2pm on Friday, Feb. 28, and Wednesday, March 19. A talkback session with the director and cast is scheduled for March 7.

BIOS: 

HEIDI SCHRECK (Playwright) is a writer and performer living in Brooklyn. Her critically acclaimed, award-winning play What the Constitution Means to Me played an extended, sold-out run on Broadway in 2019, and was nominated for two Tony Awards. It had subsequent sold-out runs at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C as well as at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles and will continue its national tour when safe to do so. A filmed version of “What the Constitution Means to Me,” starring Schreck, premiered this past October exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, and was nominated for a Critics Choice Award, a PGA Award, and a DGA Award. What the Constitution Means to Me was named Best of the Year by the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, Time Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, The New Yorker and more; NPR named it one of the “50 Great Pop Culture Moments” of 2019.  Schreck’s other plays Grand Concourse, Creature and There Are No More Big Secrets have been produced all over the country and she has worked as a stage actor in NYC for almost 20 years. Her screenwriting credits include “I Love Dick,” “Billions,” “Nurse Jackie” and shows in development with Amazon Studios, Big Beach, Imagine Television and A24. As both an actor and writer she is the recipient of three Obie Awards, a Drama Desk Award, and a Theatre World Award; as well as the Horton Foote Playwriting Award and the Hull-Warriner Award from the Dramatists Guild. She was named one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business in 2019 and was featured on Variety’s 2019 Broadway Impact List. Schreck was awarded Smithsonian Magazine’s 2019 American Ingenuity Award, for her work in the Performing Arts.

SHANA WRIDE (Director) is a San Diego based actor and director who has been involved in many shows at North Coast Repertory Theatre, most recently as Terri in Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help and as the Director of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. She has also worked with The Old Globe Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, The Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles, Diversionary Theatre, Cygnet Theatre, The San Diego Symphony, Intrepid Theatre, Moxie Theatre, Compass Theatre, The Colony Theatre, Open Fist Theatre, San Diego Repertory Theatre, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Gaslamp Quarter Theatre, and Sledgehammer Theatre. While living in Los Angeles, she co-hosted the nationally syndicated radio show, “Women Aloud” with actor/comedienne Mo Gaffney. shanawride.com

JACQUE WILKE* (Heidi) is absolutely thrilled to be returning to North Coast Rep! Regional credits include: Human Error, The Outsider, Moon Over Buffalo, The Father, Unnecessary Farce, Lend Me a Tenor, Don’t Dress for Dinner (North Coast Rep), Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery (Theatre Silco), Every Brilliant Thing (Happy Dagger Boulder Theatre), Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big San Diego Christmas Show (The Old Globe), Yoke/The Car Plays (La Jolla Playhouse), Pride and Prejudice, Stupid F***ing Bird, The Importance of Being Earnest, Travesties, Mistakes Were Made (Cygnet),The Happiest Place on Earth, Ballast, Next Fall, Side Man, Fair Use, The New Century (Diversionary), Honky (San Diego Rep), Blithe Spirit (Moonlight), Ironbound, Or, (Moxie) All My Sons, The Winter's Tale (Intrepid Theatre). Honors: Charles Jehlinger Award, Craig Noel Award. Training: American Academy of Dramatic Arts, The Groundlings Theatre. For Twyla Olive. jacquewilke.com

ANDREW OSWALD* (Legionnaire/Mike) was last seen at North Coast Rep as Count Rosenberg in Amadeus. Local credits: (Cygnet) Charlie in The Whale, Harry in Company; (Diversionary) Ed Perch in The Hour of Great Mercy * best actor award San Diego Critics Circle, A Kind of Weather, Regrets Only, Boys and Girls, The Further Adventures of Hedda Gabler; (La Jolla Playhouse WOW festival) The Music Sounds Different to Me Now; (Backyard Renaissance) The Elephant Man, Mr. and Mrs. Fitch. He portrayed Thomas Whaley in the short film “Whaley” as part of LA Screamfest. In New York, he worked with Tribeca Theatre Lab, Second Stage, Nada, and The Westbeth Theatre Center. Regionally, his work with Orlando, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin Shakespeare Festivals featured roles like Malvolio, Bottom, Count Orsino, and Captain Von Trapp. He will appear as Vanya this Fall in Cygnet’s Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.

GENEVIEVE TAI (Debater) is a theatre actress with performances in local community theatre and school productions. Her passion for acting began in 2021 and has only blossomed in the last three years. Genevieve has built an impressive reputation for her commitment to her craft appearing in productions such as Phantom of the Opera, Hamlet and Midsummer Night’s Dream. Genevieve is equally enthusiastic about the work she does behind the stage, becoming a Teen Council Member at the La Jolla Playhouse this year. Along with her passion for theatre, Genevieve is an avid animal lover, and has operated her own rescue organization since 2020, being recognized by local broadcast news stations on ABC and CBS San Diego. Genevieve was also recognized as a GoFundMe Kid Hero of the Month, for her fundraising efforts towards animals. In 2024, Genevieve began to volunteer for the Student Visionary team for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.

EM DANQUE (Debater) is thrilled to be making her North Coast Rep debut! A San Diego native, Em has been in many productions at Helix Charter High School and Grossmont College–as well as some productions at Coronado Playhouse and Young Actors Theatre. Some of her favorite roles include: Maureen in Rent, Wendy Darling in Lost Girl, Hannah/Ellie u/s in Freaky Friday, Paravicini in Mousetrap, and Woman/Eurydice/Vertumnus in Metamorphoses. She wants to thank her family, friends, and partner for their endless support and love.

EVELYN G. MYERS* (Production Stage Manager) (she/her) The Old Globe: Henry 6: Part 1 and Part 2, Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson: Fat Ham,  As You Like It, The Comedy of Errors, and Henry V. La Jolla Playhouse: The Garden, POP Tour (Hoopla!), POP Tour (Pick Me Last), POP Tour x National Disability Theatre (Emily Driver’s Great Race Through Time and Space). North Coast Rep: Sense of Decency, Pippin. Hollywood Fringe Festival: The First and The Last (Encore Award). Young Theatre: Bell, Book, and Candle (Kennedy Center Excellence in Stage Management Award).