Playhouse presents murder-mystery masterpiece
Agatha Christie’s classic ‘The Mousetrap’ in Crossville, Tenn.
Cumberland County Playhouse will present the thriller “The Mousetrap,” written by queen of mysteries Agatha Christie, beginning March 9 through April 20.
“I am delighted that we’re bringing this classic whodunit to the Playhouse stage,” says Producing Director Bryce McDonald. “Our audiences will have the chance to match their wits with the onstage characters as they try to puzzle out who among them is a killer.”
“The Mousetrap” opened in London’s West End in 1952 and has run continually since. The London production celebrated its 25,000th performance in 2012. The play is known for its ending with a twist, which audiences are traditionally asked not to reveal after leaving the theater.
The play is set at Monkswell Manor, a remote country estate that has been converted to a guest house by new owners Mollie Ralston, played by Weslie Webster, and her husband, Giles, played by Britt Hancock.
On their first night in business, the Ralstons greet an odd assortment of colorful characters: the flamboyant Christopher Wren (Ross Griffin), overbearing Mrs. Boyle (Patty Payne), retired Army officer Maj. Metcalf (Robby Wright), who is careful to keep his personal information secret; and the enigmatic Miss Casewell (Lauren Marshall), who has a penchant for casually revealing horrific experiences from her childhood. As a paralyzing snowstorm and news of a nearby murder cre- ate fear and anxiety among the stranded characters, an unexpected guest arrives: Mr. Paravacini (Jason Ross), a man whose foreign accent may or may not be real and whose appearance may or may not have been altered by makeup.
Detective Sgt. Trotter (Daniel Black) arrives the next morning on skis, since roads are now impassable. When a second murder occurs, this time right in the guest house, Trotter reveals that a killer is among them and one of them may be the next victim.
One by one, the characters reveal past secrets until at the last, nerve-shredding moment the murderer and motive are finally revealed.
Kathleen Gilpatrick is directing this production of “The Mousetrap.”
Tickets may be reserved by calling 931-484-5000 or visiting www.ccplayhouse.com.