Murder and mystery take centerstage Oct. 27-29 when the Department of Music and Theatre at Mississippi University for Women presents Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” in Cromwell Theatre.
Hailed the “Queen of Crime,” Christie writes a “who-done-it” that keeps audiences guessing until the end. In the thrilling stage play, a London murder has nerves on edge, and Mollie and Giles Ralston — proprietors of Monkswell Manor — find themselves snowed in with an assortment of peculiar guests.
Originally performed as a radio play (commissioned in 1947 by Queen Mary, a Christie fan), “The Mousetrap” was met with such positive reaction the author expanded the script to a full-length play. It debuted in London in 1952 and has run there ever since, breaking records as the longest continuously running show of any type in the modern era. It is known for its twist ending, which audiences are asked not to reveal.
“What better way is there to start the Halloween weekend than with a classic murder mystery?” said play director Lee Crouse.
Cast members include Leah Thompson, Brittany Trimble and Eric Stoderstrom of Tupelo, LaVosha Kern of Ethel, Tommy Parsons of Ventura, Calif., Parker Yarbrough of Columbus, Casey Davis of Olive Branch and Gavin Mendus of Monticello.
The production team includes theater faculty members Crouse, William “Peppy” Biddy, who is the show’s producer, and David Carter, who is the show’s technical director as well as the lighting and scenic designer.
In addition, Dustin Gibson of Columbus is the assistant technical director; Mary Wildsmith of Damascus, Md., is the stage manager; and Paige Greene of Columbus is the assistant stage manager. Kayla Manzolillo of Ethelsville, Ala., is the assistant scenic designer; Joseph Musgrove of Columbus is the costume designer.
All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for general admission and can be purchased in advance.
For more information or questions about tickets, contact the MUW Department of Communication at 662-329-7354.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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