Spring Show: April 2027
agatha christie’s murder on the orient express
playwright
agatha christie
adapted for the stage by
ken ludwig
Director
adam cunningham*
Producer
holly biracree
synopsis:
Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by the morning it is one passenger fewer. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed eight times, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer – in case he or she decides to strike again.
Roles:
Detective Hercule Poirot
Gender – Male; Age Range – 40-65; Accent - Belgian
Analysis: Poirot is fastidious, thorough, a touch ridiculous, and incredibly observant and intelligent. He is both arrogant and humble to fault. He is an observer of people, astute at analyzing why people behave as they do, and firmly believes that most crimes can be solved primarily by observation, psychology, and thinking them through. He values intelligence and the rule of law above all else.
Monsieur Bouc
Gender – Male; Age Range – 40-64; Accent - Belgian
Analysis: The owner of Wagon Lit, Orient Express. Bouc is a middle-aged man with a youthful vigor and attitude. Gregarious, honest and forthright, he puts his friends and customers above profit, although he is concerned about his company’s image. He is not a match for Poirot in intelligence, however.
Mary Debenham
Gender – Female; Age Range – mid 20s-30s; Accent - English (standard)
Analysis: A governess. Anxious, but also cool and determined, Mary has a certain sadness about her, as well as many secrets. She is carrying on a secret affair with Colonel Arburthnot.
Colonel Arbuthnot (MAY DOUBLE as Samuel Ratchett)
Gender – Male; Age Range – 30s; Accent - Scottish
Analysis: A military man of the old-fashioned type, possibly old-money, and used to being obeyed without question. He is strong, charismatic, but also problematic in some of his personal views. Has a temper.
Hector McQueen
Gender – Male; Age Range – 23-35; Accent – American
Analysis: Personal assistant and secretary to Samuel Ratchett, McQueen is a nervous character with a stutter that appears when he is especially anxious. Seems rather new to his profession. Talks a bit too much.
Michel (MAY DOUBLE as Head Waiter)
Gender – Male; Age Range – 40s; Accent – French (Michel)
Analysis: Competent and organized, Michel is the conductor for the first-class carriages of the Orient Express. Handles himself well in a crisis, and is very good at his job.
Princess Dragomiroff
Gender – Female; Age Range – 60s-70s; Accent - Russian
Analysis: Displaced Russian nobility. The Princess is a battleship: determined, arrogant, and accustomed to getting her way. She travels a great deal, and holds very decided opinions.
Greta Ohlsson
Gender – Female; Age Range – 30s; Accent – Swedish
Analysis: A Catholic missionary and baby nurse, currently serving as a companion to Princess Dragomiroff. She would like to help small children in Africa. Deeply devout. This character may be funny, but should not be played as a caricature for laughs.
Countess Andrenyi
Gender – Female; Age Range – 25-35; Accent - Hungarian
Analysis: In addition to being married to a count (and thus, nobility), she also is a doctor. Beautiful, educated, charming, and intelligent enough to match wits with Poirot. Must also be able to do an American accent.
Helen Hubbard
Gender – Female; Age Range – 45-60; Accent - American
Analysis: Not exactly what she seems, Hubbard comes across as a gregarious, loud, obnoxious American busybody who has been married multiple times. Must be able to sing and do a little dancing. Should also be able to pull off a cooler, more calculated version of this character with a very standard or even cultured American accent.
Samuel Rachett (MAY DOUBLE as Colonel Arbuthnot)
Gender – Male; Age Range – 35-50; Accent – American (mobster – possibly Brooklyn or Chicago-style)
Analysis: A dangerous and unlikable man, full of entitlement, with a hair trigger temper. Must have a forceful personality and come across as someone not to be trusted or crossed. As the murder victim, this actor may be required to remain on stage and be still for an extended period of time.
Head Waiter (MAY DOUBLE as Michel)
Gender – Male; Age Range – 40s; Accent – Turkish
Analysis: Head waiter of the Tokatilian Hotel. Competent and organized, very good at his job.
*Questions? Email Adam Cunningham at adamscunningham@hotmail.com