The Indiana Repertory Theatre’s production of The Mousetrap ends a strong season for the company. Agatha Christie’s play is the longest-running play in the world, having been continuously performed since 1952.
Mollie and Giles Ralston (Cassandra Bissell and Ryan Artzberger) open Monkswell Manor on the eve of a big snowstorm, and on the wireless, they hear of a terrible murder in London. Their guests begin arriving, including the flamboyant Christopher Wren (Jurgen Hooper), a thoroughly disagreeable Mrs. Boyle (Jan Lucas), retired military man Major Metcalf (Robert Neal), a rather manly Miss Casewell (Jennifer Johansen), and a foreigner caught out in the blizzard Mr. Paravicini (Henry Woronicz). They also hear the news of the murder in London. Snowbound the next morning, the group seems restless, and the phone rings, with the caller saying the local police force is sending out Detective Sergeant Trotter (Charles Pasternak) to tell them all something important. The phone goes dead, and Trotter skis in to tell everyone that two others in the guest house are likely to be murdered by the same person who killed the woman in London. It all seems so unlikely — until the lights go out and there’s a scream. The lights come back on and Mrs. Boyle is dead.
Suspicion and rampant speculation ensues in the second act. There is a twist at the end revealing the murderer, which the audience is begged not to reveal. This murder mystery is a classic for a reason — done well, as it is at the IRT, it makes for a lively evening’s entertainment.
Crisp and precise performances from the entire cast move the action along. Hooper’s flighty Wren is funny, and he eats up every scene he’s in. Artzberger, a veteran of the IRT stage, is a delight as the over-wrought Giles Ralston. Terrific direction by Courtney Sale (her final assignment with the IRT), and a stunning historic manor home set by Robert Koharchik brings this play to vivid life.
The Mousetrap plays at the IRT Mainstage through May 22. Tickets are $25-$59. Call 317-635-5252 or visit www.irtlive.com to reserve tickets for what promises to be a sell-out run.
