Up For a Scare?

In a secluded house on a private island, a group of strangers gather for an evening dinner party. Moments later, one of them drops dead. Though they try to brush it off as suicide, they know the truth; whomever has invited them intends to kill each of them, one by one.

Is this the start of the next "Scream" movie? Not really. In fact, you might call it a prequel. This is the start of Agatha Christie’s "And Then There Were None," a stage play being presented three consecutive weekends this month by .

The play is based on Christie’s story, "Ten Little Indians," a top-selling mystery novel. It’s so popular that it has been adapted in a variety of ways, including five different movies, a graphic novel, and a video game released for both computers and the Nintendo Wii. There are even unofficial adaptations, like the Bollywood musical "Gumnaam" (best known for its opening number which appears in the classic film "Ghost World") and an episode of the cartoon series "Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends."

Director Zach Palmer said it's the inspiration for horror movies - like "Friday the 13th" and "Nightmare on Elm Street" - that he likes best.

But, unlike modern horror movies, there is no graphic violence. Instead, the show relies on tension, and an ever-building sense of dread to keep the audience on the edge of its seat, wondering who’s the next to go?

If you go

"And Then There Were None" will be playing at the Village Players of Hatboro, 401 Jefferson Ave. in Hatboro, beginning on Friday and continuing weekends through Oct. 22. Friday and Saturday performances start at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $12. Sunday shows start at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $10. For reservations, call 215-675-6774.