Mousetrap – Courtesy of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Use with permission.
Agatha Christie’s legendary murder mystery, The Mousetrap, has captivated audiences for decades, securing its place as the world’s longest continuously running play. Originally premiering in London’s West End in 1952, the play remains a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling, clever plotting, and quintessential British wit. Its enduring popularity begs the question: what is it about this seemingly simple whodunit that continues to enthrall theatergoers’generation after generation? That question was answered Saturday when I witnessed a production of the timeless play, which kicks off the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre 2026 season.
Mousetrap – Courtesy of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Used with permission.
At its heart, The Mousetrap is an archetypal “locked-room” mystery, set in the snowbound Monkswell Manor guesthouse. The plot follows newlyweds Mollie (Malia Munley) and Giles Ralston (Jae Woo) as they host a peculiar assortment of guests, each harboring their own secrets. When news of a murder in London reaches them, and Detective Sargeant Trotter (Scot Greenwell), arrives, tensions escalate as suspicions and accusations begin to fly. The guests, cut off from the outside world by a blizzard, find themselves both suspects and potential victims, with the killer hiding in plain sight.
One of the greatest strengths of The Mousetrap lies in its perfectly paced narrative. Christie expertly balances moments of humor with mounting dread, ensuring that each character’s backstory and possible motive are explored without ever dragging the action. The dialogue is crisp, with subtle clues woven into seemingly innocuous exchanges, rewarding attentive viewers while keeping everyone guessing until the final, iconic twist.
The cast of characters is a testament to Christie’s skill at creating memorable personas. From the eccentric architect Christopher Wren (James Cobrda)) to the gruff Major Metcalf (Jeff Stockberger) and the mysterious Mrs. Boyle (Suzanne Stark), traveler Mr. Paravicini (Adam Du Plesis, and acerbic jurist Miss Casewell (Hanna Embree, each character is both a potential murderer and a possible victim. The interplay between the guests adds to the tension, and the actors’ portrayals breathe life into these archetypes, making them feel fresh regardless of how many times the play has been staged.
Mousetrap – Courtesy of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Used with permission.
Standout performances included those of Cobrda (who shone recently in the title role of B & B’s Tootsie) as the over-the-top quirky Christopher Wren, B & B regular Stark as the impervious, no-nonsense Mrs. Boyle, and DuPlesis as the colorful Paravicini.
Direction and staging by Eddie Curry play crucial roles in maintaining the suspense and immersive atmosphere of The Mousetrap. The set, a cozy yet ominous drawing room, becomes a character in itself—shadows loom, and the snowstorm outside heightens the sense of isolation and danger. Lighting and sound design are used judiciously to create moments of sudden shock, while also allowing for quieter, more introspective scenes where the audience is invited to piece together the puzzle alongside the detective.
The play is known for its secrecy, with audiences asked not to reveal the killer, creating a shared bond among viewers. This pact of silence helps preserve the suspense for newcomers, ensuring that every performance retains its edge-of-your-seat quality.
Despite being set in a particular time and place, the themes of trust, deception, and the darkness lurking beneath ordinary facades are universal. Christie’s ability to draw her audience into the web of intrigue is as effective now as it was over seventy years ago. Each performance is a testament to the playwright’s enduring genius and the skill of the ensemble bringing her vision to life.
In conclusion, The Mousetrap is more than just a play; it is a theatrical institution. Whether you are a seasoned mystery fan or a newcomer to the genre, the suspense, clever writing, and memorable characters guarantee a thoroughly enjoyable evening. It’s no wonder that audiences continue to flock to see who, this time, will be caught in Christie’s ingenious trap.
Tickets and information about The Mousetrap, which continues through Feb. 15 can be purchased at beefandboards.com or by calling 317-972-9664
