Lewis Hauser, Kristine Padilla, and Dan Ware Photo by Rhonda Sigler-Ware

The Adobe Theater does murder mysteries well. Their small space accommodates a drawing-room set in an English country house. Their new lighting system is working well to illuminate all the action. The costumes are all appropriate for the setting and the characters. A well-mounted show is what we have come to expect at The Adobe.

Agatha Christie plays include a wide range of quirky characters, and Spider's Web is no exception. Our heroine is inventive and entertaining with the stories she tells, and is an energetic hostess and diplomat's wife. Clarissa is surrounded by an odd butler, a forgetful and mostly absent husband, his neurotic teenage daughter, a doting guardian, an eccentric female gardener, country friends who are bridge and golf buddies, the police, and uninvited guests. She keeps the action going and she is played by the lovely Kristine Padilla, who anchors the production. Ms. Padilla has terrific comic timing.

The stepdaughter, Pippa, is played by Tilly Bohnhoff with proper craziness and style. At thirteen years of age, she has great stage presence. Carolyn Hogan is particularly good as Miss Peake, a character of surprises. All of the seasoned male actors who make up the rest of the cast deliver fine performances. Daniel Paul Anaya as Police Inspector Lord is particularly successful. A special mention goes to Tim Reardon for being double cast, though this detail isn't at once obvious.

In addition to casting the production well, director Nancy Selin has adapted the three-act play into two acts, and the continuous action is fast paced. Some of the comedic elements are not emphasized; they fly by with the fast pace of the show. This is a pleasant show for the whole family and especially so if you enjoy puzzles and surprises.

Spider's Web runs through November 9, 2025, at The Adobe Theater, 4818 4th Street NW, Albuquerque NM. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2:00 pm, Thursdays, October 23 and November 6, and Saturday Matinee November 1. General Admission $26, Discount Admission $22, Students $17. For tickets and information, please visit adobetheater.org or call 505-898-9222.

Directed by Nancy Selin. Set Design by Peter Parkin. Costume Design by Carolyn Hogan. Lighting Design by Lapis Kesselring. Stage Manager/Assistant Director, Ava Gutierrez. Cast: Lewis Hauser, Dan Ware, Michael Weppler, Kristine Padilla, Tilly Bohnhoff, Carolyn Hogan, Mike Kimmel, Ludwig Puchmayer, Tim Reardon, and Daniel Anaya.