Magic Consultant

By Agatha Christie

Adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig

Directed by Hana Sharif

Arena Stage 2024- World Premiere

Bitter rivals. Jilted lovers. And a smoking gun mystery.  

In Ken Ludwig's thrilling adaptation of Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile, Hercule Poirot becomes entangled in a web of deceit and desire aboard a cruise ship on the Nile River. When a murder occurs among the passengers, Poirot springs into action to unmask a killer who could strike again at any moment.

Ryan served as the magic consultant for this world premiere production to create an original choreography of sleight of hand with playing cards to compliment the monologue of Atticus Praed- an “amateur magician”. To backup his alibi for the night of the mysterious murder, this character promises he was busy practicing magic tricks. Ryan was tasked with analyzing the script to craft an entertaining card trick for the actor to perform while delivering this speech. An impossible and visual transposition of two playing cards (The Ace of Spades and the King of Diamonds-the suicide king). A simple symbolic effect which mirrored the impossibility of being in two places at the same time. Ryan worked intimately with the actor playing Atticus to develop his card handling skills combined with a special prop to make him appear wildly proficient with a pack of cards.

“Colorful, atmospheric and gorgeously designed.”-The Washington Post

“This Creative Team is amazing!”- The Washington Informer

“With its undeniable charm and visual splendor, Arena Stage’s Death on the Nile accomplishes this by offering a captivating experience”- Washington City Paper