A Stageside Chat with Director Holly Moore
By Bobby Parker
Stage Crafters Community Theatre is currently in rehearsal for Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. We recently sat down with the director, Birmingham native and Niceville resident, Holly Moore, to learn a little more about the upcoming production.
BP: When did you first discover theatre and how did you get involved with Stage Crafters?
HM: I have been involved in theatre since I was three years old and have always loved being in the limelight. My first show with Stage Crafters was in 2011, Murder Can Be Habit Forming, for which I will always be grateful since I showed up as an unknown to them. Since then, I have loved all aspects of working with Stage Crafters from working backstage, being a part of the production team, or being on stage. What I love most, though, is being involved with a volunteer community of people and getting to know each one in the process.
BP: Why did you choose the Agatha Christie classic, And Then There Were None?
HM: I chose this show for several reasons. Agatha Christie still remains the best-selling novelist of all time, and I believe there is an entire generation that has no idea who she is that needs to experience her work. It is also personal to me because I played Judge Wargrave with NWFSC many years ago. I owe a lot of inspiration to Clint Mahle at NWFSC. He was my director many years ago and many of the things he taught me have stuck with me. And, I also believe murder mysteries are intriguing across all generations.
BP: Who is this show meant for and what can audiences expect?
HM: Everyone! And, I mean that will all sincerity. I am 60, so like me, the older generation who knew and loved Agatha Christie will enjoy it along with people who have never heard of it.
Audiences will soon learn that our Judge is female; this is quite rare for this show. We are also setting the story in 1939, as Christie originally wrote it. Many theatres tend to modernize the show, but I don’t particularly prefer that. For those who are not familiar with the show, I hope the suspense will be palpable until the very end! It is intrigue and suspense at its finest.
BP: What does the cast bring to the show and to their characters?
HM: Depth of character. Our goal is to show this in each character no matter how long they are on stage – from the way they move, talk, and walk, to the way they express themselves. I’m thrilled to have many veterans of Stage Crafters as well as “newbies” in the show. This mix will bring great intrigue and suspense to the stage with each actor.
BP: What is the most challenging part of directing?
HM: This is my first time directing for Stage Crafters, so it is all challenging! I am thankful to Nancy Kruzak who is my mentor along the way. She is an iconic director, and I could not imagine doing this show without her by my side.
BP: What advice would you give someone who is wanting to get involved with Stage Crafters?
HM: Why are you waiting?! There are so many ways for you to be involved and it starts now! Join our Facebook Page to learn about workdays, backstage needs, auditions, and so much more. We are a family, a community of slightly crazy people that really love live theatre. It is alive and well in our area and you need to be a part of our family.
And Then There Were None opens June 2, 2023 and runs for two weekends at the Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit StageCraftersFWB.com.
