‘Murder on the Orient Express’ opening weekend
Mike Conway, Christine Dannic, Katie Nixon, Anthony Mead, Adam Pitman, Laura Abernethy, Jeanna Wisher, and David Blair in WTC’s production of “Murder On The Orient Express.” (Photo courtesy of the Whitefish Theatre Company)
The Whitefish Theatre Company presents Agatha Christie’s thrilling mystery “Murder On The Orient Express” as their final show of the 2021-2022 season. Adapted for the stage by Tony-nominated playwright Ken Ludwig, this clever and intrigue-filled show opens with a sneak preview night on May 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. Performances continue on May 27 and 28 and June 2, 3, and 4 at 7:30 p.m. A matinee performance will be held on May 29 at 4:00 p.m.
Renowned detective Hercule Poirot is determined to find out whodunit in this plot-twist masterpiece. Ten passengers board the luxurious Orient Express that is traveling from Istanbul to Western Europe. However, when the train unexpectedly stops in the isolated, snow-swept mountains, only nine of them are still alive. A man has been murdered in his room overnight and suddenly every passenger becomes a suspect. Tensions rise as Poirot searches for the killer lurking in their midst who just may strike again. A suspenseful and thrilling ride, this perfect mystery is sure to have everyone in the audience guessing just who did it.
“I read Agatha Christie books growing up and I’ve loved a good murder mystery ever since,” said Director Kim Krueger. “All her books have great twists with an amazing roster of characters and ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ is one of her best.”
Adds Krueger, “This adaptation by Ken Ludwig is fast-paced and he has added some great comic moments. The set design and costumes are gorgeous, adding to this wild ride.”
The cast is comprised of 11 actors from around the Flathead Valley. Anthony Mead plays Hercule Poirot, Adam Pitman plays Monsieur Bouc, Katie Nixon plays Countess Andrenyi, David Blair plays Colonel Arbuthnot, Merannda Button plays Mary Debenham, Hunter Cripe plays Hector MacQueen, JeAnna Wisher plays Princess Dragomiroff, Laura Abernethy plays Greta Ohlsson, Mike Conway plays Michel the Conductor and the Waiter, Christine Dannic plays Helen Hubbard, and Jack Eaton plays Samuel Ratchett. Says Krueger, “The cast is a group of talented and smart actors. Several of them had to learn accents along with developing multi-layered characters. They all worked great together in figuring out the intricate ins and outs of the show’s intrigue.”
Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $10 for students with reserved seating. Tickets for the sneak preview performance on May 26 are sold only at the door and are $12 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office at 1 Central Avenue in Whitefish or by calling 862-5371. Box Office Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before a performance. Individual tickets can also be purchased online at www.whitefishtheatreco.org. This show is sponsored by Judy and John Melin, Trovare, First Interstate Bank, and Masterpiece Carpet.