Do you love the theater? Do you love a good “Whodunnit?” If you answered yes to these questions, then you really must go see The Mousetrap playing at the Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso from September 27 through October 13.
Director John Rahe is making his Memorial Opera House directorial debut with Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap. A seasoned director, this will be his third time directing the play. It’s an interesting play to direct and stage and Rahe is excited to bring it to Valparaiso.
“It’s a really good thriller and is really well written,” said Rahe. “It will really surprise you.”
In fact, surprising you with a typical Christie twist is one of The Mousetrap’s claims to fame, with most productions warning the audience to not share the ending with others once they leave the theater.
The Mousetrap is set in 1952 in a country house that has suddenly been snowed-in. In Christie fashion, it is full of eccentric characters and will keep you guessing to the very end.
“It’s typical Agatha Christie where you like the characters, but there’s something slightly sinister about them,” said Rahe. “All of the characters have a certain eccentricity about them that makes you question who they are and how they got here. Anyone can be the murderer.”
The actors at Memorial Opera House have been spending the last six weeks honing in their craft to bring this legendary play to life under Rahe’s direction. He has found his time working with Memorial Opera House to be extremely satisfactory and speaks highly of the cast and staff.
“I’m working with good people,” said Rahe. “The actors are very talented and have put in a lot of good work to make sure this runs well. The staff and technicians are first rate. Everybody has been right on point.”
The Mousetrap is fast-paced and will keep you on your toes. With your typical Agatha Christie writing full of wit and charm, this play is sure to be a fun night out. While it is a murder-mystery, Rahe thinks it makes for a great family night, but might not be suitable for those under 10.
“It’s a good, fun night in the theater,” said Rahe. “There are a few chuckles in it and it is a really good thriller, which you don’t see a lot anymore.”
Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap first premiered in London in 1952 and has been continuously running ever since, making it the longest-running play in London’s West End. What better review could you need? The play is clearly a must-see.
To learn more about The Mousetrap and to purchase your tickets, visit Memorial Opera House’s website: https://www.memorialoperahouse.com/527/Agatha-Christies-The-Mousetrap