A Director's Debut at The Brookfield Theatre for the Arts; Show Opens This Friday

This weekend The Brookfield Theatre for the Arts (TBTA) will kick off it’s 59th season, presenting Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, by Agatha Christie, the stage adaption of the classic thriller that’s widely recognized as the world’s best-selling mystery.

At the helm of the production is director Kate Valiska, making her directorial debut. Valiska is no stranger to the stage, though; she’s performed in a variety of productions with several local theaters; including TBTA, Musicals at Richter, The Wilton Playshop and the Warner. Prior to her current directing engagement, she performed on stage at TBTA last year in both Godspell and Company.

In the final days leading to opening night, Valiska discusses the production and her experience as a first-time director:

How does it feel to be directing your first show?

It feels very surreal. Directing is something that I’ve always thought of doing but never actively pursued. When [TBTA] first announced the season, quite a few friends said to me, “I had no idea you wanted to direct.” I also received the “but you’ve never directed before” comments. All I can say is, every director has their first time. Through this process, I’ve learned things about myself that I never knew - both good and bad - which has really helped me in figuring out my style of directing.

You’re no stranger to the theatre, though. How have your experiences in other areas helped you through this process?

I’ve worked with a variety of different directors and have definitely utilized some of the styles I’ve encountered as a framework for how I wanted to direct the show. I tried to use that framework, while also approaching this production from my experience as an actor, to find my directing style. Throughout this process, I tried my best to express [to the actors] what my thoughts were, and what I wanted from them; but also, being very open and encouraging them to explore their individual characters.

The show opens this Friday - how are you managing at this point?

I’m surprisingly calm. Of course, there have been bumps along the way but I feel that we’re ready. Luckily, the weather has acted in our favor for the most part (knock-on-wood). I have a stellar cast and an amazing production team. Everyone is extremely dedicated, and we have a wide range of experience on stage; from onstage debuts to Kennedy Center College Theater Festival nominees. I’m very proud of everyone involved.

What do you love most about this production?

I’ve loved the entire process of this production, and being a part of it every step of the way. From our very first production meeting, to auditions/callbacks, rehearsals and tech. There have definitely been difficult moments, but the overall experience has been a positive one. There were moments where I wasn’t sure if I could do this, but I am so happy that I was given this opportunity, and stuck with it. I’ve dedicated this production to the memory of my grandfather, who loved movies and murder mysteries… especially Agatha Christie. I hope he would be proud of me.

Without revealing any spoilers, which aspect of the show are you most excited to share with an audience?

I love the sound and light effects we’ve worked into the show. Karl [Gonzalez, Sound Designer] has done an amazing job creating the sound effects and sound mixing. It really makes you feel like you’re in one of those old 40’s movies.

Describe the show in three words.

Witty. Mysterious. Thrilling.


Performances of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, by Agatha Christie, begin this Friday, March 4th at The Brookfield Theatre for the Arts, and continue through March 19th, Saturday and Sunday evenings at 8PM and a matinee performance on Sunday March 13th at 2PM. Advanced booking is available online at www.brookfieldtheatre.org. Tickets are also available at the door starting one hour prior to the performance on a first come, first serve basis.

Additional information about the show:

In this superlative mystery-comedy, ten people are lured to a private island under various pretenses. A mysterious voice accuses each of having gotten away with murder as the guests realize they are marooned. Statuettes of ten little soldier boys displayed on a mantel begin to fall and break one-by-one, as those in the house succumb to an unknown and diabolical avenger. As the story progresses, a nursery rhyme explains how each of the ten “soldiers” met his death - until then there were none.

The TBTA production features a talented community of local actors: Anthony Contento (Woodbury, CT); Barbara Disraeli (Brewster, NY); Rick Haylon (Newtown, CT); Karl Hinger (New Milford, CT) Barbara Kessler (Danbury, CT); Ron Malyszka (Bridgewater, CT); Daniel Patterson (Guilford, CT); Jeff Rossman (New Fairfield, CT); Ted Schwartz (Brookfield, CT); Nicole Veach (New Milford, CT); and Alexis Willoughby (New Milford, CT).