Murder, mayhem and comic timing all come together this weekend as Agatha Christie’s classic The Mousetrap opens at The Bank Theatre.
Deemed the longest running play in the history of plays, The Mousetrap is a who-done-it that will keep you guessing from the opening curtain to the final curtain call of this stellar ensemble cast.
A blood-red set tells the story in a-mid 20th century British hotel called Monkswell Manor.
The proprietors, a young couple named Giles and Mollie Ralston, are brand new to the hospitality game and they have no idea what their first day in business will bring.
Rebecca Lashmar shines as Mollie, while Breydan Quiring plays her inept but lovable husband Giles.
The pair welcome an eccentric group of patrons for their first night, all of whom end up stranded there during a snowstorm.
Chris Harkness’ turn as the always complaining Mrs. Boyle provides a character that audiences will love to hate.
Melissa Scott crosses the gender line as Christopher Wren — an eccentric young man with a few secrets and a flair for cooking.
Cristina Orlando, Spencer Dunn and Randy Sleiman round out the guest list as Miss Casewell, Major Metcalf and Mr. Paravicini — all strong performances.
A murder occurred the night before they all converged on Monkswell Manor. A lady was strangled and all of them seem to fit the description — and M.O. — of the killer.
The arrival of Detective Sergeant Trotter adds even more questions to the mix.
Corey Robertson’s portrayal of the boisterous sergeant brings the character to life and the production to a fitting conclusion as the suspects are put in the hot seat one-by-one.
The fun nature of the deftly written play by one of history‘s foremost mystery writers will draw you in as you try to figure out who the killer might be and at the same time being entertained by the quirkiness of each character.
And the twist at the end is worth the price of admission on its own.
Tickets are available at banktheatre.com or at the box office, Thursday to Saturday from 11-1, or at the door prior to show.
The curtain rises at 7:30 pm on Friday November 14 and continues with nighttime shows Saturday November 15, Friday, November 21 and Saturday, November 22. Matinees will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays November 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 2 pm. Doors open 30 minutes prior to show time.
The Ralstons, Giles (Breydan Quiring) and Mollie (Rebecca Lashmar).
SUN photo by Mark Ribble
