For all of you out there who love classic murder mysteries, the Studio Arena has a treat for you. It's Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap," on stage through Dec. 28. The epitome of all murder mysteries, it also has the distinction of being the longest running play in theater history.
"The Mousetrap" originally opened in 1952 in Nottingham and moved to London within a month, where it has remained ever since.
It is based on Christie's short story, "Three Blind Mice," published only in the United States in 1950, which itself was based on a 1947 radio play. For half a century now, "The Mousetrap" has set the standard for murder mysteries.
The play is set in Berkshire in 1947, in an old manor that has been converted to a hotel. Due to a severe snowstorm, the guests find themselves cut off from the outside world. A murder is committed and the characters know that one among them is the killer. The characters are Mollie (Kaitlin O'Neal) and Giles Ralston (Coleman Zeigen), the inexperienced proprietors of the hotel; Christopher Wren (Michael Zlabinger), a neurotic architect; Mrs. Boyle (Jeanne Cairns), a bossy, prim and proper matron; the mysterious foreigner Mr. Paravicini (Richard Wesp); Major Metcalf (Ian Stuart); Miss Casewell (Katie White); and Detective Sergeant Trotter (Cameron Folmar). The latter arrives on skis through snow-blocked roads and knocks on a window. Christie's conglomeration of characters are just that -- characters, and the actors portraying them are well-chosen for their particular roles. The Ralstons are totally inexperienced hotel-keepers. This marks the opening of their hotel, and though they know where most of their guests are coming from, they know little else about them, which lends to the mystery. Christopher Wren flits about the stage cooking and expressing his interest in decorating. Mrs. Boyle is one mean woman who never has anything good to say about anyone. At one time or another, we've all known someone just like her. Detective Trotter seems to be extremely competent in his job. In short, the acting is excellent. Even the British accents are never over-done.
The setting in this kind of mystery is of extreme importance, and here it is so authentic that, when a window is opened, you swear you feel the cold breeze from the storm outside. A single set is used throughout, and it's the kind of set that Shaw Festival audiences applaud when the first curtain goes up. It's an ornate, detailed set: A large room with paneled walls, snow-covered windows, a fireplace, an oriental rug and antique furnishings. It's a very workable set with several entrances, but more importantly, it sets a mood right from the beginning.
It soon becomes apparent that several of the guests are not exactly what they have presented themselves to be. Clues are dropped, as members of the audience, along with the detective, attempt to solve the mystery. "The Mousetrap" is, after all, the prototype for this kind of play. In turn, we come to suspect each character. Indeed, Christie deliberately sets up the suspicion.
Who done it? Well, certainly not the butler, as the young innkeepers can't afford that kind of help, and it would ruin your very good time.
| Niagara Falls Reporter | www.niagarafallsreporter.com | December 17 2002 |