THE MOUSETRAP – Written by Agatha Christie; Directed by Lynne Collins. Produced by the Arvada Center (6901 Wadsworth Boulevard, Arvada) through October 12. Tickets available at 720-898-7200 or arvadacenter.org.
You can’t call yourself a passionate playgoer unless you have seen at least two or three productions of both THE MOUSETRAP and THE FANTASTICKS, two of the longest-running scripts ever done. There are probably 20-30 productions of Miss Christie’s script going on simultaneously all over the world every weekend. I’ve seen the show three times in the last two years – London (a must for any true theatre kid), Lone Tree, and now Arvada. Every one of these productions had both similarities and unique qualities for the viewer. The script is so well-crafted that it tells a solid story while allowing directors to add subtle personal touches to the fun.
Director Lynne Collins has done that so well, creating characters who say the same words but look and act differently from those you have seen before. The young married couple who accidentally created the “mousetrap” that is their guest house, Monkswell Manor, are played by newcomer Jacque Wilke as Mollie and Arvada favorite Lance Rasmussen as Giles. They make a convincing newlywed couple, insecure in their marriage and in their new roles as host and hostess. You like them so much that it scares you when they lose faith in each other just a little. A radio announcer describes the London murderer’s clothing that exactly matches what Giles wore at his first arrival. Mollie lies about not being in London when she actually was. Is she strong enough to murder? If so, why?
The initial guests to their brand-new guest house are a mixed bunch with a strange connection. Emma Messenger, as the obnoxious Mrs. Boyle, seems an unlikely murderer, but then why has she brought her annoying self to this place at this time? She seems the type that would have preferred to stay “in town” in a more tried and true hotel. Does she have enough anger to kill? If so, why? Annie Barbour plays Miss Casewell, a sharp, uncommunicative smartie. Her irascible personality certainly suggests someone prone to anger. But she’s so tiny. Could she possibly have the physical strength to kill? Garth Saxe as Major Metcalf seems to be a by-the-book retired military man. Has he seen wartime service? Killed before in the line of duty? Who knows?
But the two most likely suspects are the nervous, flighty, over-the-top Christopher Wren. Jacob Dresch creates a man-child who can move from boyish charm to sullen child on a dime. Yet he’s obviously hiding something, fearful and, at times, pathetic. It seems possible he could lose control and kill on a whim,
then be immediately contrite. The final guest is the unexpected player, the man who emerges out of the storm with only a small case and no reason to be there. Mr. Paravicini, the brilliant Rodney Lizcano, flaunts his own mystery and revels in his unique personality. He too seems to have no motive for being there, only a victim of the storm and the bad roads. But why does he act so strangely and deny any connection to anyone else?
The final player is Trotter, the police inspector (played by Colton Pratt), sent to warn and protect the guests from the predicted arrival of the murderer. After one of the guests is murdered, he goes about examining each potential suspect in a methodical manner that unfortunately does not result in a solution to the crime. No one has an obvious motive, but all have had the means. What to do? Whodunnit?
In the tried-and-true pattern of Christie mysteries, the puzzle hangs in the air until the last possible moment. Then ends very satisfactorily with the good guys prevailing, justice served, and normal life restored.
A comfortable English countryside manor has been created on stage by resident designer Brian Mallgrave. The consistent snow falling outside the dormer windows and the way the actors moved through it gave authenticity to the snowstorm which has trapped them all. The lamps on set are used to great comic effect and are enhanced by the lighting design of Shannon McKinney. Max Silverman has come up with authentic radio announcements and creepy versions of Three Blind Mice dropped into appropriate places. The post-war clothing and hair dressing were provided by Linda Morken and Wigmaster Jocelen Barnett Smith. As always, the Arvada Center crew excels.
A fresh look at an old favorite – you won’t be sorry to revisit it. But you repeat- viewers are sworn to silence on the identity of the killer when you are around first-timers. Play the game!!
A WOW factor of 8.75!!