Eight assorted guests gather on an island after receiving a mysterious invitation from a host they do not know. Upon arriving, a voice thunders from the air, accusing each of them of murder.

The person responsible for inviting them never shows up and the guests begin turning up dead, victims of poison.

Additionally, each murder corresponds to an Indian figure which suddenly topples to the floor and shatters.

This is the plot of the newest production being staged by the Ames Community Theater.

“Ten Little Indians” is a suspenseful play originally written by famed mystery author Agatha Christie.

It is directed by Marty Ellenberger and features 11 different actors including Cheryl Kaplan (as femme fatale guest Vera Claythorne), Brian Parrish (as Phillip Lombard), Mike Deaton (as Lawrence Wargrave) and Steve Stogdill (as William Henry Blore).

“We decided to put on this play,” Assistant Director Stacy Brothers said, “because a few of us were involved in a production of the play in Webster City. We enjoyed it quite a bit and decided to put it on here.

“It’s a good entertaining mystery with some entertaining comic relief. It is done really well technically. We have added thunderstorms and lightning which adds to the suspense,” Brothers said.

The group has spent over six weeks preparing for the production. They designed the costumes, sets and props while memorizing dialogue and choreographing movement.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” Stogdill said. His character is an ex-police officer who is now a detective. “I’m in the play until the very end and get to die in a very colorful manner. I get my head bashed in, which is a lot of fun to act out.”

Parrish plays an ex-military man who is an adventurer. “He likes to crack jokes at all the wrong moments,” Parrish said. “Being this character has been a lot of fun because I get to be arrogant on stage, which is something that I’m normally not.

“I’ve had a lot of fun with that. I’ve also had a good time being able to shoot people,” Parrish said.

Each of them has his own reasons for participating in the play. Stogdill joined the cast because his good friend Ellenberger is directing it. Parrish decided to join because he likes acting and plans on majoring in theater when he finally enters school again.

“It’s always a lot of fun to see a play,” Stogdill said. “It’s much better than seeing a movie. Seeing plays is what got me involved in acting.

“I hope everyone comes out to see this play. It’s a very compelling murder-mystery until the very end. It will keep you guessing. The audience will definitely have a good time.”

“It is something to do on a Friday or Saturday night besides getting drunk,” Parrish added.

“It’s not real contemporary,” Brothers said, “but you can’t go wrong with Agatha Christie. She’s proven to entertain audiences with her great mysteries.”

The Ames Community Theater will be showing the presentation April 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26 at 8 p.m. There will be one matinee performance April 20 at 2 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at John Hubier Clothier (404 Main Street) for $10 each, with a $1 discount for students and senior citizens.

The doors will open one half hour before show time and tickets can be purchased at the door one hour before the show.

For more information about the production, call the ACTORS studio at 292-2073.