Collierville High School’s Draco Playhouse presents its second show this season by entering into a renown theatrical tradition with the classic tale of murder and intrigue, The Mousetrap. Agatha Christie wrote the play in 1952, and Keith Salter is bringing it to life November 9-12.
The Mousetrap has the distinct honor of being the single longest initial run of any play in history. In London’s West End,The Mousetrap has been running since its opening in 1952, and to date has more than 25,000 performances. Agatha Christie originally wrote The Mousetrap as a radio drama in 1947, based on a previously unpublished short story. By Christie’s wishes, the story has yet to be published in the United Kingdom, and will remain so until the West End theatrical run has ended. Still, in the United Kingdom, only one performance of The Mousetrap is allowed in addition to the West End production. No film adaptation is allowed to be made until the West End run has been closed for at least six months. Because of its twist ending, a signature of Christie’s, as well as its theatrical pedigree, audience members are asked not to reveal the play’s denouement once they leave the theatre.
The play concerns a group of strangers gathering in a country house that is cut off by the snow and discover that there is a murderer in their midst. Mollie and John Ralston, the proprietors of Monkswell Manor, have made a secretive trip to Boston. Christopher Wren, a supposed architect and lover of fine furniture, Mrs. Boyle, an ill-tempered judge who refuses to engage in mindless small talk, Major Metcalf, a retired Army Major, Miss Casewell, a sarcastic and somewhat masculine young woman, and Mr. Paravincini, a foreigner whose car has slid off of the road near the mansion have all gathered at Monkswell Manor. There they are met by Inspector Trotter, a Boston police officer who, investigating the murder of a Bostonian woman, has discovered a link between the victim and the snowbound mansion.
Join the talented players of the Draco Playhouse for a night of thrills and chills.
Keith Salter has Americanized The Mousetrap and is assisted by Sydney Johnston (assistant director/stage manager). This show features returning Draco players Shayna Ryan (last seen directing Pinocchio), Cullen Bertram (Pinocchio, Fools), Cooper Clack (Pinocchio, No Time for Sergeants), Cameron Hutson (Pinocchio, Zombie Prom), Marissa Cherry (Pinocchio, No Time for Sergeants), Emily Hale (Pinocchio, Zombie Prom), Will Beck (Pinocchio, Zombie Prom), and Matt Freeman (Pinocchio). The creative team includes Gabby Nunez (set designer), Kala Morris (prop master), Ms. Heather Majumdar (costumes), Natalie Noesen (lightning control), and Andrew Boone (sound design).
Tickets are available at the door $8/$10. Staff members and their spouses are admitted free of charge, but donations are always appreciated.
Hope to see you there!