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CCPA to present 'Murder on the Orient Express'
This fall, step aboard the Fox Playhouse’s time machine as the Community Council on the Performing Arts (CCPA) proudly transports audiences to travel to 1930’s Istanbul, setting the stage for a thrilling train-bound murder mystery in Agatha Christie’s "Murder On the Orient Express," brilliantly adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig. As you present your ticket to the conductor and settle into your seat, prepare for a night of intrigue and suspense.
Under the skillful direction of Richard Daut and featuring an astoundingly technical turning set designed and crafted by Will Cooper, this classic nail-biter will have you questioning every clue and motive. Join the legendary Hercule Poirot navigates colorful characters and deftly sidesteps misdirection. We are grateful to acknowledge Hertzberg Furniture as the proud sponsor of this macabre homicide at our local Fox Playhouse.
A marvelous turning stage transports the audience from a bustling train platform in Constantinople, through plush dining cars, elegant sleeping compartments, and service hallways. Here the brilliant and quirky detective Hercule Poirot is masterfully brought to life by Peter Carver. Poirot’s urgent trip to Europe will take a dark detour into the 20-year-old kidnap and murder case of Daisy Armstrong, a bright and beloved child brought to life by an equally talented Emma Branham.
The supporting cast in this production deserves praise for outstanding portrayals of the eclectic mix of passengers and, yes, even the corpse on the train. Each character’s secrets, motives, and intricate relationships with one another are skillfully revealed in layers, inviting the audience to peel back the mysteries one by one.
In brief, to avoid revealing the delightful twists and turns, Keegan Whipple shines as Monsieur Bouc, while Jenna Weston embodies the enigmatic Mary Debenham. Thurston Bridger captures the essence of Hector MacQueen, and Salem Jonker delivers a memorable performance as Michel. Edi Gragg graces the stage as the regal Princess Dragomiroff, and Jane Ann Hancock screams Greta Olsson to life. Amanda Gilchrist is captivating as Countess Andrenyi, while Ricci Wood brings flair to the role of Helen Hubbard. Michael Serna portrays Colonel Arbuthnot with conviction, and Robert Kalthoff delivers a haunting portrayal of Samuel Ratchett. Gabe Weston’s role as waiter adds authenticity to the ambiance, while Michelle Branham as the nanny, Ginsherri Freeze as Daisy’s mother, and Gabe Schmidt as Daisy’s father add an emotional depth to the narrative. Samantha Hartman brightens the stage with her technical superiority on the lights, sound and music by the ever adept Jason Fowler.
Get on board and don your sleuthing cap. Agatha Christie’s ‘Murder On the Orient Express’ is a must-see for mystery enthusiasts and theater lovers with a plot that will keep you guessing to the very end and leave you pondering the very nature and shape of Justice. See the show at Nevada’s Fox Playhouse, Thursday, October 5th through Saturday, Oct. 7, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 8, at 2 p.m. Tickets are now available in advance online at foxplayhouse.org so you can ensure your seat on this thrilling adventure. Trust me, it would be a crime to miss it.