The Mousetrap

Attleboro Community Theatre (ACT) proudly presents The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie, skillfully directed by Marissa Simas. The production began as a short radio play written by Agatha Christie as a birthday present for Queen Mary, the consort of King George V. It was broadcast on May 30, 1947, under the name Three Blind Mice. The song played a large part in the fun. The story drew from the real-life case of Dennis O’Neill – who died after he and his brother Terence suffered extreme abuse while in the foster care of a  Shropshire  farmer and his wife in 1945.

As a stage play, The Mousetrap had its world premiere in Nottingham, England, on October 6, 1952. Wildly popular, the play is still running. Christie did not expect The Mousetrap to run for such a long time – 72 years and counting. In fact, it’s the world’s longest running play in history! According to ACT, this production is “Brimming with intrigue, sophisticated humor, and surprising twists. Christie’s iconic murder mystery about a group of strangers trapped during a snowstorm will honor the tradition of keeping its secrets locked in your heart.” You are kindly asked not to reveal the surprise ending after you leave the theater!

Each actor brings a unique flair to their character, rounding out the cast for an enjoyable whodunnit mystery. Emily Rizza and Christopher Francis portray husband and wife Mollie and Giles Ralston, proprietors of Monkswell Manor, where the chaos ensues. Ryan Vigneau is hilarious as Christopher Wren, the first guest to arrive at the hotel – a flamboyantly hyperactive young man who seems rather peculiar. Alyce Fitzgerald is all too convincing as Mrs. Boyle, a critical older woman who snobbishly discredits everyone and everything. Bruce Church portrays Major Metcalf, a retired Army man who keeps a low profile, but his eyes are wide open. Miss Casewell, a strangely aloof, masculine woman, is humorously portrayed by Maggie Scarborough, complete with choreography you’ll love. No stranger to the ACT stage, Mark Carter deftly portrays Mr. Paravicini – a man of unknown provenance who turns up claiming his car has overturned in a snowdrift, seemingly affecting a foreign accent while artificially aged with make-up – as animatedly as only he can. Detective Sergeant Trotter, as portrayed by Chase Struss, arrives on skis and questions everyone. Patrick Murphy is the Radio Voice, our source of news relevant to the story.

“Directing this play has been an exhilarating experience,” says Simas. “Working with a dedicated cast and crew, we’ve infused the production with a groovy spirit, aiming to make the mystery more engaging and relevant for our audience. Taking the helm as director has allowed me to merge my creative vision with Christie’s intricate world.”

She goes on to say, “Our decision to set the production in the ‘70s isn’t just a nod to the era’s distinctive style, though who can resist the allure of Bell bottoms and lava lamps? Most significantly, it reflects the era’s dramatic social changes, including the rise of public awareness of serial crimes and the evolving roles of women in society. The period not only introduced the term ‘serial killer’ but also heightened the public’s fascination with true crime, which naturally enhances the play’s inherent suspense and fear. The ‘70s also saw the burgeoning of the women’s liberation movement, pushing against the confines of traditional gender roles. In our production, Mrs. Boyle grapples with these shifting norms, while Miss Casewell embodies the spirit of independence, and Mollie Ralston navigates a path between societal expectations and new opportunities for self-reliance.”

You don’t want to miss this fun thriller! Remember, no revealing the ending! Mousetrap runs through

September 29. For more information, call 508-226-8100 or visit https://www.attleborocommunitytheatre.net/.