Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap plays on the New Mainstage through July 6. Tickets are just $25 - $48 with discounts available to groups, seniors, and students. Call the Box Office at 301.924.3400 or visit olneytheatre.org for tickets. In addition, Olney offers several special performances that include sign interpretation, audio description, and post-show discussions.
Set in a guest house on the English countryside, a pair of newlyweds, a man running from his past, an army major, a spinster, a foreigner, and a policeman find themselves stranded during a snow storm. Unfortunately, a murderer is in their midst and no one is above suspicion. In Dame Christie's classical style, she weaves red herrings, dead-ends, and false leads together to create an excellent mystery. The Mousetrap is in the capable hands of Associate Artistic Director John Going. Incidentally, The Mousetrap was the first show Going ever directed at Olney – 35 years ago. “This play means a lot to me. I have acted as well as directed it, and it has certain nostalgia.
It was much newer when I first approached it, but it still works and I think the audience will really enjoy it,” Going said. “It is a terrific plot and no one ever seems to guess who the murder is!” Going has staged over 30 productions at Olney including Doubt: A Parable, 13 Rue de L’Amour, I Am My Own Wife and The Constant Wife. A four-time Helen Hayes Award nominee, Going received the award for Outstanding Direction for his work on The Miser at the Folger Shakespeare Theatre. He recently won the Kevin Kline Award for Best Director for I Am My Own Wife at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis.
The cast for this classic show consists of many Olney regulars. Julie-Ann Elliott returns to the Olney stage as Mollie Ralston, the proprietor of Monkswell Manor. Elliot last appeared as Constance Middleton in The Constant Wife (dir. John Going). Other Olney credits include An Enemy of the People, Hedda Gabler, and The Heiress. Elliot is a graduate of Catholic University’s Drama Department, and a former National Player. MaryBeth Wise also returns to Olney to play the aloof Miss Casewell. Wise has been seen at Olney as Annie Sullivan in The Miracle Worker (Helen Hayes Award nomination), Jennifer in In the Mood (world premiere), and Julia in The Rivals. Locally she has appeared as Rev. Chasuble in The Importance of Being Earnest at Arena Stage and Sybil in Midwives at Roundhouse Theatre. Wise is a National Player veteran of two tours. The suspicious Christopher Wren will be preformed by Jeffries Thaiss. Thaiss’ credits at Olney include Democracy, 13 Rue de L'Amour (dir. John Going), An Enemy of the People, and Hedda Gabler.
His regional credits include shows at Seattle Repertory Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse, and The Kennedy Center. Harry A. Winter returns to Olney to perform the role of the mysterious retired Major Metcalf, having just performed as Ben Franklin in 1776 and Lazar Wolff in last season’s hit Fiddler on the Roof. His local credits include Allegro, 110 in the Shade, The Laramie Project, Pins and Needles, 1776, and Bringing up Amy. Also returning from just performing in 1776 is Michael Bunce. Bunce will play the ‘foreigner’ Mr. Paravicini. His DC-area credits include Meet John Doe at Ford’s Theatre and Urinetown at Signature Theatre.
The snooty spinster Mrs. Boyle will be played by Cornelia Hart. Hart’s credits include Bertha in Hedda Gabler here at Olney, Sweet Bird of Youth and Lady Windermere’s Fan at Shakespeare Theatre Company, and Blue Heart at The Studio Theatre. Scott Barrow and Andrew Grusetskie will make their Olney debut as Molly’s overprotective husband Giles Ralston and Detective Sergeant Trotter respectively. Barrow’s recent credits include Benedick in Much Ado about Nothing, Hal in Proof, and Father Flynn in Doubt (with the Arkansas Repertory). Grusetskie’s regional credits include The School for Scandal and The Odyssey at the McCarter Theatre.
To make the mystery believable, it is crucial that everything is played with a deadly seriousness. Olney has assembled the perfect team to create a convincing atmosphere for the story to unfold. Scenic Designer James Wolk has created an English guest house that is full of charm, but slightly past its prime. Wolk has worked with Going on ten plays at Olney, most recently Doubt: A Parable, 13 Rue de L’Amour, and The Heiress. Costume Designer Liz Covey, who designed last season’s 13 Rue de L’Amour and The Constant Wife, will accentuate the play with a range 1950’s period designs, ranging from the conservative wool suit to the eccentric multicolored shirts of Christopher Wren. F. Mitchell Dana, the Lighting Designer, will add shadow and light perfect for a whodunit.
Dana has designed over 575 productions and previously worked on Cinderella and I Am My Own Wife at Olney. The creative team is rounded out with Dialect Coach Leigh Wilson Smiley, Wig Designer Karlah Hamilton, and Sound Designer Jarett C. Pisani. -- www.olneytheatre.org
