STAGE WEST: "Peril in the Alps" at North Coast Repertory Theatre

Omri Schein and Valerie Larsen in "Peril in the Alps."                                             Photo by Aaron Rumley

               Hercule Poirot on skis.
            Not likely from the eccentric Belgian sleuth who believes only in exercising his “little grey cells.”
            But it’s the funniest image and the most outrageous gag in North Coast Repertory Theatre’s production “Peril in the Alps.” Why? Because it’s totally incongruous, completely out of character and playwright Steve Dietz’s boldest reinvention of the Poirot mystique created by the legendary Agatha Christie.
            Otherwise, this world premiere “sequel” to Dietz’s 2023 “Murder On the Links” is well executed but routine quick-change comedy, a convoluted kidnapping/slash/murder mystery loosely based on events from Christie’s 1924 “Poirot Investigates” compilation of stories (chiefly “The Mystery of Hunter’s Lodge”).
            Omri Schein returns as Poirot, playing the mustachioed little detective strictly for laughs. As in “Links” Schein is spoofing the character more than channeling him, intentionally exceeding the likes of David Suchet on television or, more recently, Kenneth Branagh in the movies. I don’t know if Christie would be that amused, but NC Rep audiences seem to be – two years ago and again now.
            Dietz not only wrote “Peril in the Alps” but he directed it (as he did with “Links”) and again he calls upon an ensemble of six to carry the comic load. Schein and Valerie Larsen, playing Poirot’s friend and confidante Capt. Arthur Hastings, are in character throughout; playing nearly 30 other characters are Brian Mackey (who was also in “Links”), Amanda Sitton, Christopher M. Williams and Gabbie Adner. They’re all tireless and terrific, very much in the spirit of the silliness and, under Dietz’s direction, seemingly in perpetual motion.
            To elucidate the plot of “Peril in the Alps” would require twice the length of what you’re reading here, and really it’s not that important. You’ll likely get lost or at the very least confused by intermission. And so what. This is a show at which to watch comic performers perform. Just go with the fast flow.
            Dietz is a clever writer and obviously an admirer of Dame Agatha. He appreciates her knack for crafting vivid characters and does the same in tribute. One quibble though: Poirot’s favorite beverage was not cocoa (or “cacao” as the character repeatedly calls it in the show), but a tisane, a sort of herbal tea.
            Back to the production: Elisa Benzoni’s costumes are wholly compatible with the mid-1920s setting, and Rob Witmer contributes sound effects and musical moments that would make “Lux Radio Theater” proud. How’s that for an archival reference?
            As was true for “Murder on the Links,” “Peril in the Alps” is not for potentially tut-tutting Poirot purists but for those who know the character and those who enjoy an escapist comedy masquerading as a light mystery.
            Perhaps those who like to ski as well?
            “Peril in the Alps” runs through May 18 at North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach.