Saint Louis University’s theater students are nailing down lines and sharpening their knives for upcoming performances of “The Mousetrap” on Feb. 26–March 1 in Xavier Hall.
“The Mousetrap” is the only play written by famed mystery novelist Agatha Christie. The play follows newlyweds Mollie and Giles Ralston as they manage a colorful crew of snowed-in guests at Monkswell Manor. Sgt. Trotter investigates the guests following the recent murder of a neighboring woman and uncovers more treachery to follow.
The show is directed by Carl Overly, an artistic producer with the Metro Theater Company. This is his third time serving as a guest director for the program. He brings a sense of variety and freshness as an outside voice.
“I just want to show [the cast] that not all directors just kind of sit back and say, ‘Go here, do that, do that,’” Overly said. “Some directors will actually engage and have conversations about character motivations and things like that.”
Overly praised the cast’s ability to make confident and unique character choices during auditions and through rehearsals ever since.
“It’s much better to do something than to do nothing,” Overly said. “That’s what rehearsals are for — to discover, create and use your imagination.”
As both a closed-door murder mystery and a classic theater staple, “The Mousetrap” presents its own unique challenges and advantages. Junior theater major Maiah Lyndsey explained the differences in portraying Mollie Ralston compared to previous shows.
“You have to do your research heavily,” Lyndsey said. “Especially when it comes to dialects, you also have to know how to speak … There’s a lot more preparation put into it than if it were a modern play.”
One advantage of a closed-door story is the absence of set changes. Actors find it easier to know what to expect and how to build characterization when there are fewer moving parts.
The play, as audiences are soon to discover, has more surprises than just its thrilling plot twists.
“It is very serious, but it’s also very, very funny,” Lyndsey said. “I sometimes just laugh during rehearsals while I’m on stage because of something that another character said, because it’s just so funny.”
Between shocking reveals, unique characters and surprising humor, audiences have plenty to look forward to. “The Mousetrap” will be performed at 7 p.m. Feb. 26-28, with additional matinees on Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. and March 1 at 1 p.m. Tickets are available to buy for $10; free student tickets will be available at the box office an hour before each show.
