Mystery, murder and intrigue remain timeless for generations. That’s probably why Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” has been running for more than 70 years in London.
This enduring story is now at Pierce College, and it makes for a lovely night of entertainment. Directed by Shaheen Vaaz, Pierce’s Theatre Department takes a seven-decade-old play and reimagines it, first opening on Friday, Oct. 18, at the Performing Arts Mainstage.
“The Mousetrap” was written by Christie in 1947. Other than a brief suspension during the pandemic, the work has been running in London’s West End for more than seven decades, making it the longest running play in the world.
The play follows the whodunnit formula Christie popularized. Set in an isolated, English guesthouse in the middle of the 20th century, seven strangers are faced with a grisly murder. Detective Sergeant Trotter is tasked with investigating each suspect and unraveling the mystery at hand. The secrets of each cast member are revealed one by one, until the killer is exposed.
Before the play begins, mysterious men in fedoras and trench coats lurk in the lobby. While not a part of the main cast, these figures elevate the work by building a sense of foreboding.
The set is intimate and well designed by Michael Gend. Behind the mainstage is a screen that plays an introductory video, as well as a snowy backdrop for later scenes. The lighting is mostly realistic, but it becomes stylized for a few key moments. There are a select number of moments when ensemble actors invade the audience’s realm, breaking the fourth wall. These aspects help create an eerie tone rather than distract the viewer.
The costumes designed by Eileen Gizienski are a highlight of the play. Each cast member has a unique sense of style, yet they are all recognizably from the same era. From a glance, the characters’ personalities are made clear by their wardrobe choices.
Ambient noise is effectively used throughout the play. The noise of a crackling fire fills the gaps between scenes. Gusts of wind can be heard whenever the characters enter or leave the manor. These subtle sounds make the set feel tangible, as if there is a world beyond the false wooden doors on the stage.
The performances were solid, although a few actors slipped in and out of their accents. On several occasions, the cast sounded like they were posh Bostonians instead of elite Britons. The inconsistencies were noticeable, but they did not spoil the emotional impact of the dialogue.
Ironically, the best accent of the production was that of the Italian character, Mr. Paravicini (Ali Suliman). Suliman had a hypnotic control of the stage. He strikes a nice balance between comedic and evasive, making him interesting to watch even when he’s not speaking.
The play continues until Sunday, Oct. 27. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at Pierce’s Online Student Store, priced at $15 for students and seniors, and $20 for general admission.
